Willard Leroy Maichel

Willard Leroy Maichel age 98 of Hiawatha, formerly of Osawatomie, KS died Wednesday May 10, 2023 at Amberwell Medical Center in Hiawatha, KS.

Willard was born January 1, 1925 in Overbrook Kansas. He was the eldest of two born to Lewis Maichel and Grace Williams. He grew up in Globe Kansas. He attended Baldwin high school graduating with the class of 1938.

After high school, Willard enlisted in the United States Navy, and was active in World War II. Willard was honorably discharged in 1945. He then moved back to Baldwin where he was a meat cutter in a grocery store.

In 1946 Willard married Esther Marie Olhert in Lawrence Kansas. To this union came two children, Ed and Robin.

Then, in 1961 Willard moved to Osawatomie in Kansas and opened Willard’s IGA. He was owner operator of IGA for 53 years until selling his last store in 2014.

And his free time Willard love to travel golf and play pitch. For over 32 years, he spent winters in Palm Springs. He was a member of the Osawatomie Methodist Church and the Elks post 921.

He was preceded in death by his wife Esther, brother, Merle Maichel and parents.

Survivors include his children, Ed Maichel of Osawatomie, Kansas, and Robin Hinkle of Gardner, Kansas. Four grandchildren, Jacob Maichel, Sarah Maichel, Valerie, Govea, and Audrey Blanton. 15 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Along with other family and friends.