Willis H. Armbrust, 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 12th, 2015 at his home in Omaha, Nebraska surrounded by his loving family. Willis was proceeded in death by his wife, E. Dolores Armbrust.
Willis was born on November 13, 1926 in Omaha, Nebraska, a son of the late William and Alvina (Neuhaus) Armbrust and was a 1943 graduate of Central High School in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1948, Willis and Dolores started a dairy farm in Omaha, Nebraska where they resided their entire married life. The first homebred heifer calf born in 1948 at Wil-Brust was the “Ginger” cow. Ginger, Ex-93 was Grand Champion in Nebraska five consecutive years and nominated All-American Aged cow in 1956. Ginger’s offspring were the hub of the Wil-Brust herd. Willis often said Ginger was the key to “buying the farm.” They became a national and well-recognized farm couple being noted for their registered Holstein dairy herd; Willis was named Nebraska’s Outstanding Young Farmer in 1955 by the Nebraska Junior Chamber of Commerce. He served as co-chairman in 1959 for the National Holstein Convention held in Omaha. Willis served as a delegate for many years at the National Holstein Convention. Willis is a lifetime member of the National Dairy Shrine and past member of the All American Holstein Judges panel.
The dairy herd was dispersed in 1960 and thereafter Willis and Dolores became partners in Willis Armbrust Sales and Service. In 1964, he graduated from Reisch American Auctioneering School. Willis handled the auctioneering duties and Dolores was the business manager/clerk. Their business managed over 300 dairy cattle sales and dispersals throughout the Midwest and was best known for a strong commitment to ethical business practices and the origination of the “Udder Guarantee.”
Willis was involved as an active member and leader with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Millard for over 65 years. Willis and Dolores belonged to various organizations, as well as civic and social groups of the area. He served as a 4-H leader for over 15 years and was active in the Grange for over 50 Years, also serving a term as Grange Master. He was an active member of the Tangier Shriners of Omaha (Greeters) and served on the steering committee of the Metropolitan YMCA of Omaha and Council Bluffs. They donated land in Omaha, Nebraska for a neighborhood YMCA that was named the Armbrust Family YMCA. Both Willis and Dolores were awarded an Honorary Doctor of Law Degree by Midland University where they both served on boards and various committees.
They had lean years but love and their faith helped them through tough financial times and serious health situations. Their church, families and friends were their most important possessions they had. Cruises were their absolute favorite form of travel, plus stays at their Door County, Wisconsin home every summer.
Preceded in death by wife of 65 years, Dolores Armbrust. Survived by daughter, Amy Armbrust of Omaha; son, Scott Armbrust (Nancy) of Green Bay, Wisconsin; grandchildren: Matthew Armbrust, Kurt Armbrust, Adrian Dykstra, and Jacob Dykstra; brother, Dwayne Armbrust (Nancy) of Elkhorn; sister-in-law, Lorraine Barton; brother-in-law, Marty Nielsen (Diana); nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, November 17th, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 13271 Millard Avenue, followed by PRAYER SERVICE at 7:30pm at the church. FUNERAL SERVICES Wednesday, November 18th at 10:30am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Interment, Evergreen Memorial Park, Omaha, Nebraska.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Midland University, or Armbrust Family YMCA.
Online condolences may be left on Willis H. Armbrust memorial page at http://www.heafeyheafey.com/
Arrangements made by