Willard Derner

Willard Derner, age 91, of rural Cleveland, died Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Memorial Mass 11:00 a.m., August 1, 2025, Catholic Church of St. Peter, St. Peter, MN. Visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., at the church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, St. Peter. St. Peter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Willard was born July 17, 1934, to Anton and Mary (Salz) Derner in Mankato.

Willard graduated from Cleveland High School in 1952

Willard served his country with the US Army from 1957 until he was honorably discharged in 1959.

Willard was united in marriage to Margaret M. Kopp on July 8, 1961, in Madison Lake.

Willard was a farmer his whole life.

Willard sang with the Mankato Riverblenders for over 20 years and in St. Mary’s Men’s Choir for 23 years.

Willard enjoyed: Woodworking, private pilot (Flying)

Willard is survived by his wife, Margaret; two sons, Michael Derner of Robbinsdale, MN and Daniel (Meghan) Derner of Nolensville, TN; five grandchildren, Leah, Livia, Dane, Lauren, and Lara; brother, Richard (Darlene) Derner of St. Peter; sister, Joan Johnson of St. Peter; sister-in-law, Marion Derner of Farmington, MN; sister-in-law, Patricia Derner of St. Peter; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Marcella (Ed) Bein, Louis (Mary) Derner, Anthony Derner, Raymond (Evelyn) Derner, Ervin (Maggie) Derner, Odelia (Bill) Hoehn, Vernon (Harriet) Derner, Ralph Derner, Bernice (Francis) Weber; and brother-in-law, Burton Johnson.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

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