Willis R. Voran

Willis R. Voran, 92, of New Holland, died Sunday, January 15, 2017 at his home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Mae (Wedel) Voran in 2015.

Born in Moundridge, KS, he was the only child of Jonas and Ellen (Goebel) Voran.

Willis was a product engineer who held numerous patents for the former Favorite Mfg. He was known as one of six people in the United States that could think like a chicken. During World War II, he sailed to Italy as a seagoing cowboy with Heifer Project.

He was a member of Evangelical United Methodist Church, New Holland where he served as church janitor for many years and faithfully filled the candles for Sunday worship. He also volunteered at the Re-Uzit Shop of New Holland for about 40 years.

Surviving are two children: Eileen Voran and W. Ray Voran, Jr. married to Val (Hart); two grandchildren: Benjamin Voran married to Sarah (Clemo); and Sara married to Kris Pursel, all of Brownstown; a great granddaughter Jane Voran, and an unofficially adopted daughter, Denise Strick, Talmage.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 20, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Evangelical United Methodist Church, 276 W. Main St., New Holland with Pastor Rob Stippich officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 10 – 11 a.m. Kindly omit flowers. If desired, memorials may be sent to the Voran Family Scholarship Fund at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, 3003 Benham Ave., Elkhart, IN 46517. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com