Jean Willer
The Dickinson Press
Published Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Jean Willer, 65, of Bismarck, died peacefully with her family by her side on Nov. 14, 2008 at Medcenter One from complications of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Mass of the Christian burial will be held on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 at 10 a.m. CST at the Church of the Ascension with Rev. Tom Richter and Rev. Marvin Klemmer officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008 from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a rosary service will be held at 7:30 p.m.


Jean was born on Sept. 12, 1943 in Dickinson, the daughter of Vincent and Sophie (Faiman) Semerad. She was raised and educated in Dickinson. She worked in the lab at the Dickinson Clinic. On July 5, 1965 she was united in marriage to Gerald (Jerry) Willer at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dickinson. They moved to Bismarck in 1975. Jean worked part time at the Medcenter One, Q and R Clinic for a number of years.

Jean loved her family and her many, many friends and they loved her. She always had a quick smile and a kind word for those around her. Her ability to make anyone feel welcome was known by all and will be missed.

Golfing with her friends or playing Bunco with them, were among her favorite pastimes. She also loved socializing at the family condo in Spearfish and traveling with her husband to conventions and seminars where she would be able to meet with old friends and find a few new ones. Decorating for holidays and planning meals were always a priority done well in advance with a lot of thought, time and effort.

Her courage and attitude upon being diagnosed with ALS will never be forgotten. The lives she touched forever are many. Jean still spent time concerning herself with the welfare of others, even after she entered Medcenter One, where the love and care she received will always be remembered.

Grateful for having shared in her life include her husband, Jerry; her children, daughter, Lonna Willer-Smith and son, Chad (Stacy) Willer both of Bismarck; her pride and joy, her grandchildren, Jordan Smith, Sydney Smith, Caden Willer and step grandsons, Cory and Chris; her sisters, Delores Wanner, Geraldine Badinger, Arlys (Joe) Boespflug, Diane Binstock, all of Dickinson, and June (Jim) Kobriger of Tucson, Ariz.; and a special friend, Andy Smith. Jean is survived by many other relatives and friends as well.

She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant grandson, Camden Willer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Jean’s name to the ALS Association, Minnesota Chapter or the Medcenter One Foundation.

Go to www.parkwayfuneral.com to share memories of Jean and to sign the online guestbook.