Jess Willard Story

Jess Willard Story, age 94, of Sebewaing passed away Saturday, November 26, 2011. He was born in Hardin County, IL. He had seven siblings, two of which survive him – Leon Story of Sebring, FL and Wilson Story of Edgerton, WI.

To help feed the family, Jess began working at the age of eleven. He continued to be a man with strong hands and a driving work ethic throughout his life. Through the years he held jobs such as cooking for a railroad crew to mining in a spar mine in southern Illinois. At age 17, he joined the CCC Camp in Eddyville, IL, working on bridges and doing repairs throughout the county. He retired from Saginaw Steering Gear, but he never stopped working. He was always there to help his children with various projects.

Jess was a loving father who taught his children how to hunt and fish, a tradition he carried on with his grandkids. Trips up north to the family cottage at North Lake in Glennie, were something we all loved, especially Dad.

Together for 64 years with Clara (Pluto), He raised six children: Robert Klimkowski of Unionville, Randy Story of Sebewaing, Terry Story of Owendale, James Story of Rose City, Linda Shope of Pigeon, and Luanne Story of Attica, MI.

Two children, a daughter named Diane Lyn, and a son, Tommy of Metropolis, IL will greet Dad at Heaven's Gate.

Cremation has taken place and a family memorial will take place in the near future.

Arrangements handled with care by Juengel & Mellendorf Funeral Home, Sebewaing.

"Farewell dear one, your life is past. Our love for you 'til the end, will last."