LEROY “LEE” DALE WILLIM
LeRoy “Lee” Dale Willim, 85, of Fort Myers, FL, formerly of Clear Lake and Clarion, IA, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Almavida Assisted Living in Fort Myers, FL.
Lee was born on February 3, 1940, in Marshalltown, IA, the son of William Dale Thomas and Lova Lois (Duncan) Willim. He was united in marriage to Janice “Jan” J. Reisetter of Marshalltown on November 28, 1962; she preceded him in death on September 6, 2003. He was later united in marriage to Sylvia Hanna Gander on October 20, 2007; she survives of the home.
Additional survivors include: three sons; Bartley (Tonya) Willim of Richmond, MO, Eric Willim of Holmes, IA, and Matthew (Claire) Willim of Higginsville, MO; three granddaughters: Lexi Willim of Des Moines, IA, Ashlee (TJ) Kirkham of Richmond, MO, and Audrey O’Dell of Mason City, IA; and four great-grandchildren: Winnie, Daphnie, Theodore, and Jaxten.
In addition to his parents and first wife, Lee was preceded in death by his stepfather, Ben Smith, and son, Adam Willim.
Lee was raised and educated in the area of his birth and graduated from Marshalltown High School with the Class of 1958. He continued his education at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science in 1962. From his sophomore year of high school until July of 1962, Lee worked at Pursel-Davis Funeral Home in Marshalltown, marking the beginning of a lifelong and devoted career in the funeral profession.
On November 28, 1962, Lee was united in marriage to Janice J. Reisetter at Elim Lutheran Church in Marshalltown. In July of 1968, the couple purchased funeral homes in Dows and Latimer, Iowa. They later moved to Clarion in 1977, where they purchased Eyler Funeral Home. Throughout his career, Lee also owned and operated funeral homes in Belmond, Klemme, and Eagle Grove, Iowa, becoming a respected and trusted presence in each community he served.
Lee and Jan retired in 1997 and enjoyed spending time at their homes in Clear Lake, Iowa, and Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Together, they shared a love for travel and explored destinations around the world. Jan preceded him in death on September 6, 2003, following her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
On October 20, 2007, Lee married Sylvia Hanna Gander at First Assembly Church in Fort Myers, Florida, where they made their home for the past 18 years.
Lee was active in the communities where he lived and worked, holding memberships and leadership roles in the National and State Funeral Directors Associations, First Lutheran Church of Clarion, Rotary International, and First Assembly Ministries in Florida. In his free time, he enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends at the cabin at the lake.
Lee selflessly shared his guidance, insight, and knowledge with those he loved. He instilled in his family strong values and unwavering principles. His legacy of service, compassion, and dedication will be remembered and cherished by his family for generations to come.
Visitation with funeral services will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Clarion, IA, with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M., with services to follow at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be in Willim Terrace of Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion, IA. Please remember to share your memories of Lee with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.