Robert Wesley "Bob" Willis

Robert Wesley “Bob” Willis was born on January 10, 1925, to Andrew and Amy Willis. A devoted son and brother, he grew up cherishing his family and his hometown of Laramie, whose history he knew intimately. He could recount who built nearly every house, where its owners had worked, and trace local family lineages back three generations or more. Bob had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome; no one left a conversation with him without learning something new and feeling better about themselves.

He was a loving husband to Kaye Blackner for 72 years and the proud father of five children: Debbie Mickelsen (Roger), Ron (Debbie), Heather (Grace, Robbie, and Mary), Rob (Mary), and Wendi Welniak (Randy). He delighted in his grandchildren—Melissa, Amy, Shaun, Meghan, Ben, Abby, Craig, Michael, Katie, Emma, and Heidi—and his thirteen great-grandchildren.

Bob served as a rifleman with the U.S. Army’s 26th Infantry Division during World War II, earning the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his actions during the Battle of the Bulge. After recovering from a serious combat wound, he returned to the front lines, witnessed the liberation of Buchenwald Concentration Camp, and cared for twenty Polish Jewish girls who had been freed from the camp as they prepared to testify at war-crimes trials. He was later recalled to the Army’s 10th Infantry Division in 1951 to train soldiers for deployment to Korea. Following his military service, he served an LDS mission to Holland. He then returned to the University of Wyoming, completed a degree in zoology, and earned his DMD. For 49 years he practiced dentistry in Laramie, retiring at age 78. Known for his warm chairside manner, he truly cared for his patients and their families and was a devoted servant leader in the community.

Bob loved fishing French Creek in the Snowy Range, skiing, and flying the Cessna he proudly co-owned. He enjoyed visiting with friends, a cold Pepsi, and preparing his favorite dishes, especially his mashed potatoes, cheesecakes, and celebrated apple and cherry-berry pies. He lived independently in the home he cherished for 63 years until just past his 101st birthday. He passed away on March 5, 2026, leaving behind a large and loving family who will miss him dearly.