Wally W. Will

Wallace W. Will, age 93, of New Prague (formerly of Prior Lake), passed away peacefully, with his loving family by his side on April 18, 2025.

A Christian Funeral will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM with a memorial gathering from 9:00 - 10:45 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Fish Lake (20200 Fairlawn Ave.) in Prior Lake. Rev. Dr. Brent Parrish will preside, and Wally's grandchildren will act as urn bearers. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be distributed by Wally's family in his honor.

Wally was born in Spring Lake Township and later moved to modern day Lydia. At the age of two, he became a brother to Howard who completed the family. He attended Fish Lake Immanuel Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed and attended school.

As he grew, he went on to work as a milk hauler. It was here he met the love of his life, Claudia Busch. They were married on April 23, 1951. The couple were blessed with four children and made Prior Lake their long-time home.

As an accomplished milk hauler, Wally invested in his own truck and became a business owner. Once he left his business, Mr. Will became a long-haul driver for Dahlen Transport of Newport, MN. Wally had a fun habit of pointing out beautiful rigs on the road to his children.

In his later years, he became employed by Prior Lake School District as a beloved custodian for the high school. He claimed this to be his most favorite job.

In his younger adult years, Wally learned to play the accordion (by ear) and was self-taught. He parlayed his talent and love for polka music into a trio called “The Valley Dutchmen” for 20 years, Wally and his band played together, but his most cherished audience was his family which danced together many nights in their cozy living room.

Wally and Claudia enjoyed the company of their friends. The weekends found them playing cards and at times, they traveled the roads of America with them. Camping and fishing was their greatest love, and they enjoyed the sunshine and quiet as they fished.

Mr. and Mrs. Will truly loved one another, and they would have celebrated 74 years of marriage on April 23, 2025. The secret to their longevity? A hug, kiss and an “I love you” every night before bed.

Wally was truly a caring, positive, outgoing man who “never met a stranger” he didn’t like. He was fun, endearing, and took time for people. He was a devoted Christian who put his love for God first and foremost in his life.

Wally is survived by his loving wife, Claudia; children, Wanda Zephirin, Mary (Leroy) Kroyer, Jeffrey (Kelly) Will; grandchildren, Tammy Greene, Timothy (Stacy) Zephirin, J. K. Will, Brock (Taralyn) Will, Jerry II (Shantelle) Will, April Will, Carrie Hackley; 17 great-granddaughters and 1 great-great-grandson; sister-in-law, Alice Will; other loving relatives and many dear friends. Wally was greeted in Heaven by his son, Jerry Will; son-in-law, Donald Zephirin; granddaughter-in-law, Jasmine Bowman; parents, Louis & Anna (Kettlehon) Will; brother, Howard Will.

Wally was known for his accomplished whistling skills, and he will be dearly missed by all.