Full Obituary

WALTER F. BACKUS, age 94, of Willard, WI, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2015 at the Clark County Rehabilitation & Living Center, in Owen, WI. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Holy Family Catholic Church, in Willard. Rev. Steve Brice will officiate and burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church, on Saturday, from 9:30am until time of service.
Walter Frank Backus was born on July 4, 1921 in Willard, WI, the son of Walter F. and Susan (Kratzer) Backus. He was raised on the family farm, received his education in the Willard area, and graduated from Neillsville High School in 1939. After high school, Walter went to work for Laab's Dairy, driving truck, before entering the U.S. Marine Corps on April 7, 1942. He served with the 4th Marine Division on Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima, where he was present when the U.S. Flag was raised on Mount Suribachi. After his honorable discharge on November 1, 1945, he continued driving truck for Laab's Dairy until 1951. Walter then went to work driving for Standard Oil until 1956, at which time he began driving truck for John Snedic. He bought the oil route from John in 1961, which he owned and operated until retiring and selling the business to Cenex, in Greenwood, in 1995. Walter lived in Willard all of his life.
He had many interests, but especially enjoyed bowling, hunting, playing baseball in his younger years, gardening, nature, the outdoors, and playing practical jokes on others.
Walter was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, the Greenwood American Legion Post #238, the Neillsville VFW Post #2441, the 4th Marine Division Association, the Marine Corps League, and the Chippewa Marines. He also served as the assessor for the Town of Hendren and served on the Greenwood School Board.
He is survived by his children: William, Les, Jim and Bailey (Jessica) Backus; eleven grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and one son-in-law: Jeff Lukes.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Edith, on December 14, 2006; one daughter: JoAnn Lukes; one daughter-in-law: Janene Backus; one grandson and great grandson, both in infancy.