Ben Willetts

Ben Willetts was born on March 29 th , 1933, in Knoxville, Iowa to Harry and Lucille
Willetts. Ben graduated from Knoxville High School and was an outstanding athlete. He
was an All-State football player and was inducted as a Knoxville Hall of Fame Athlete.
Ben met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Phyllis Nichols. Ben and Phyllis
married on Nov. 16, 1952, and were married for 73 years. They showed to all those
around them an illustration of life-long love and dedication.
As a young man, Ben developed a passion for construction with his grandfather. Ben
was a respected business owner and skilled contractor who took pride in every project.
He had unwavering work ethic and built quality homes in the Knoxville area for over 5
decades. He built more than just homes; he built lasting foundations for his community.
His legacy lives on in the many homes that stand as a testament of his skill and
passion. Ben and Phyllis lived together in their life-long home that Ben built for 73 years.
Just like his passion to build – Ben embodied that of a “home”. Ben carried a quiet,
intentional presence and was someone who was always there for his loved ones. He
was dependable, loving, kind, generous, hardworking, loyal, humble, affectionate,
knowledgeable, and brought dry sense of humor to his family and friends. You could
count on Ben to be there and to create great memories to carry with you. Ben was a
constant in life, and he exemplified the feeling of home for his loved ones.
Ben is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis; two children: Terry (Joel) and Todd (Ginny);
four beloved grandchildren: Spenser (Rachel), Evan (Mike), Taylor (Maggie), and
Mitchell (Laura); and four treasured great-grandchildren: Marion McMullan, Clark
McMullan, Jordan Tonda, and Ben Willetts.
Like the structures and homes Ben has left behind, he built a lasting life full of love that
will continue. His family members and friends, both small and old, will remember him in
their hearts and keep his memory alive forever.
A private family service to celebrate and honor Ben will be held at a later date.