Donald C. Willhouse, Jr.

Donald C Willhouse Jr, 83, of Sparks, Nevada, formerly of Baraboo, Wisconsin, died at the Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, NV on July 1, 2026.

Cremation took place at the Cremation Society of Reno with internment at the National Cemetery Rock Island, IL at a future date.

Donald Charles Willhouse Jr. was born October 9, 1942, in Moline, the son of Donald and Dorothy (Nightingale) Willhouse. Don married Laurie Gantz in 1974 in Moline , IL.

Don graduated from Moline High School in 1960. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army, trained as a heavy equipment operator, and was stationed at Fort Stewart GA. During his service Don (nicknamed Hook) played for the 5th Army traveling baseball team.

Don attended trade school in Beloit, WI and was employed by National Tea Company in Davenport, IA. Following in his parents and grandparents’ footsteps, he opened a custom meat market in Moline, IL. After selling the business, he continued working in the wholesale meat business in Coal Valley, IL. In 1993 he was offered an opportunity to work for Gahn Meats and relocated the family to Baraboo, WI. Don retired in 2009 after working for 46 years in the wholesale foods industry. After retirement he moved to Sparks, NV to be close to his daughters.

Don was an avid athlete playing basketball and football in high school. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and working in his garden and yard. In retirement he had a passion for acrylic painting and picture puzzles, creating many beautiful, framed art works for his children and grandchildren.

Don is survived by his children and their spouses, Sean (Teri) Brown of Crossville, TN, Emilie (Ed) Willhouse-Zdeb and Amanda (Arnie) Andrew of Sparks, NV. Brother Ed (Jackie) Willhouse of Coal Valley, IL, sisters Peggy (Byron) Eckhardt of Gainesville, GA, and Julie (Tom) Ray of Cordova, IL, Three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sharon Almquist, and brother-in-law Larry Almquist.

Stories and condolences may be shared at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.