Willard Lee Potter was born March 1, 1935 in Faulkton, South Dakota. He was the son of Rolland O. and Hazel (Miller) Potter. Willard grew up on a family farm near Seneca SD and he graduated from the Faulkton High School in 1953. In 1957 he graduated from the South Dakota School of Mines with a degree in Civil Engineering. During the Korean War, Willard served his country in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959.
Following his honorable discharged he married the girl he met at a Black Hills State track meet in 1954. Her name was Marion Foss and they were united in marriage on June 25, 1960 in Winner South Dakota. To this union was born 2 sons and 3 daughters: Lee, Bruce, Joyce, Reva, and Diann.
Following their marriage, Willard worked as an engineer for many years. His career took the Potter family to several towns, including Selby, Pierre and Aberdeen. In 1997 he retired from the B.I.A. in Aberdeen as the Facilities Manager, and then began working as an Inspector for FEMA. From 1979 to 2010, Willard lived near Warner and following his retirement from FEMA Willard and Marion moved to Belle Fourche where they have lived since.
Willard was a determined man who had high expectations. He lived with purpose as it was important to him to contribute in life. He was intelligent and he always wanted to help people throughout his life. He was proud of his family and loved his grandchildren very much. He will be greatly missed.
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