William John Miers

Retired Master Sergeant William “Willie” John Miers, 69, was called to duty to take his last tour with our Lord on Thursday, July 12, 2018. Ann (Lease) Miers his loving and devoted wife of 49 years stood stoically by his side. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, July 19, 2018, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Onamia, MN with Father Jerry Schik, OSC officiating. Interment will be in the MN State Veteran's Cemetery on Friday, July 20, 2018, at 1 PM. Visitation will be held from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Onamia, MN, with Rosary led by the Knights of Columbus at 7 PM. Visitation will also be held 1 hr. prior to Mass on Thursday. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia. Willie was born to Alvin and Cecelia (Gross) Miers on May 7, 1949 and grew up in Hillman, MN on the family farm. As a young man, Willie served in Vietnam from 1967 - 1970. During his time of service in the Vietnam War, he was assigned to be the Crew Chief of a helicopter MEDIVAC Unit, “Dustoff”. He heroically saved the lives of up to 4,000 injured servicemen without the protection of a gunner while in flight and in recovery. His dedication reflected in the honors he earned: the Bronze Star; two Army Commendation Medals; the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry; 36 Air Medals, three with Valor Devices; two Army Achievement Awards and a Good Conduct Award, totaling 54 medals. On September 18, 1971, Willie married the love of his life, Ann Marie Lease. They met when she was just 16 years-old and he was 21. When they parted after that first meeting, he laughingly tossed her a dime and said, “Why don’t you give me a call when you grow up.” They married eight months later. Willie brought more than 30 years of truck driving experience, the last with Rivard Companies. He was active in the Knights of Columbus and the Onamia VFW. He served as a senior instructor and promoted to Master Sergeant in the Army Reserve from 1982-2001, where he trained approximately 500 drivers at Camp Ripley and Fort McCoy. He was honored to train and mentor his students. He was always searching for means to better present, any course, so students could better understand. Willie gained the respect of students, peers, and superiors. Furthermore, Willie demanded and inspired his students to perform beyond their level of rank. He continued to use innovative and creative instructional techniques to ensure learning took place. He had immense pride in his accomplishments and helping his student exceed. His background includes training in advanced technical mechanical training and aviation mechanics. He is survived by his wife, Ann M Miers; his children, Tracy (Arvid Paschke) Sam, Todd (Dionne Rozario) Miers and Toby (Raegan) Miers, his grandchildren: Nathan Engholm, Justin Engholm, Jeremy Engholm, Felicia Bagley, Zachary Miers, Joshua Correa, Priya Rozario, Kiara Correa, Elsie Miers, Eli Sam, Caitlyn Miers, Robert Sam, Mathilda Sam, Cecelia Sam, Alvin Sam, Cheyanne Miers, William Miers and Nadiya Paschke; and by his loving siblings, Jeanette (Mel) Peters of Stacey, MN; Bernice (Jim) Benjamin of Brainerd, MN; Helen Schlegel of Pierz, MN; Mary (Gary) Stout of Anoka, MN; Henry (Jean) Miers of Circle Pines, MN; Jerome Miers of Schaumburg, IL; Anna (Keith) DeChaine of Deerwood, MN; Theresa Eide of Shakopee, MN; Jim (Bonnie) Miers of Stanchfield, MN; Paul (Margaret) Miers of Cedar, MN; Susan (Tim) Oie of Annandale, MN; Duane Miers of Brainerd, MN and Greg (Sonja) Miers of Taylor’s Falls, MN, brother-in-law: Dale Martin of Raymond, MN; and many (over 150) nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Cecelia Miers; sisters, Alice (Miers) Martin and Lucy Miers; sister-in-law, Pat (Schlegel) Miers; brothers-in-law, Nick San Nicolas and Bud Schlegel; nephews, John Acosta and Jaimie Lease (Godchild); and great-niece, Becca Schlegel. Willie will be forever remembered as a faithful husband, loving father and grandfather, an avid hunter and master of many skills. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Willie was able touched everyone he met with his amazing smile and ability to make one laugh. Born from humble beginnings, Willie was a decorated soldier who remained humble, was a servant to his mankind and now a servant of our Lord. Smile on Mr. Smiley!

Tributes

William John Miers

May 7, 1949 - July 12, 2018