Obituary of John Montrose Willis

Parkston – John Montrose Willis, 65, went to his heavenly home Monday, March 4 at his home in Parkston.   Visitation will be Thursday, March 14 from 5 to 7 pm at Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Parkston.  A private, family committal service will take place at a later time at the American Legion Cemetery in Mitchell.

John was born July 2, 1958 to John K. and Sarah (Montrose) Willis in Mitchell, SD.  He attended and graduated from Mitchell High School.  He served his country as a Radioman on the USS Enterprise in the United States Navy during the Persian Gulf War.  He met and married Darla Conzemius in 1985 to whom he was married to for 37 years.  After being honorably discharged, John moved back to Mitchell and served as postmaster in Carthage.  He moved to Parkston where he also served as postmaster.  He was awarded the 25 year plaque by the post office.  He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed making people laugh.  He was a member of the American Legion and VFW and was an avid Las Vegas Raiders and St. Louis Cardinals fan.  He also enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing.

Grateful for having shared his life are his 4 children:  Daria (David) Utz and their children, Dave and Kaitlyn of Wilmington, NC; Raymond (Tori) Conzemius and their children, Damon, Mason, Tyler and Ethan of Mitchell; Aaron (Carly) Willis and their children, Reid and Reagan of Mitchell; and Sarah (Teyton) Knutson and their children, Cayden, Kenli, and Kallie of Parkston.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an aunt, Dorothy Kaiser; and an uncle, Bill Willis.