Timothy Eugene Wills, 69, passed away peacefully in his sleep August 29, 2023 at his home near Hemingford. He was born on May 5th, 1954 to Harold (Bud) and Betty Wills in Alliance, Nebraska. His early years were spent in the Sandhills south of Lakeside with his dad working on the Ed Herman Ranch. He attended school at Grandview Elementary School and graduated from Alliance High School in 1972.
He met Kimberly Kay Ferguson during his Senior year in high school and they enjoyed a few years of dating and rodeoing together before being united in marriage on July 13th, 1975 in Alliance, Nebraska.
They began their life together with Tim working in partnership with his dad farming. On September 12, 1978 they became proud parents to their daughter, Kami Jean. On May 5, 1981 their family was complete with the birth of their son, TeeCee, and also very special because Tim got to share his birthday each and every year with TeeCee.
In December 1981, Tim took a ranch job for Half Circle Cattle Company, Warren and Marilyn Herman, and they moved to the ranch south of Lakeside, Nebraska spending the next 10 years enjoying ranch life in the sandhills that he loved dearly before they bought their current place just outside of Hemingford in June 1991. After moving to Hemingford Tim worked for a couple area farmers before taking his 30 year position at Zochol Feedlot. He retired from Zochol Feedlot in December 2021. Not long after retiring and needing something to do with his time he decided to help his brother, Mike, and nephew, Heath, off and on, on their farm and ranch until his passing.
Tim loved the sandhills and his time spent in them along with the fond memories created, but never did get over his fear of heights between climbing windmills, pivots, or working up in the air building a barn. Tim’s other happy places were in an arena, out in a pasture, or on a trail horseback. When the weather turned cold, and the geese started flying he enjoyed being in the goose pit with TeeCee and family or friends. Tim had the gift to gab and was the one who didn’t necessarily want to go places but always seemed to be the last one to leave.
Tim shared 48 years of marriage with his loving wife, Kim, and was the hardworking, dedicated father for his children, Kami Wills, and TeeCee (Abby) Wills and the loving, caring grandpa to his grandchildren Hayden Blumanthal, Lana Blumanthal, and Slade Harris. Also surviving him are his brothers, Mike (Kim) Wills, Bill (Candy) Wills, and sister-in-law Johana Wills, brother-in-law Chris Toedtli, brother-in-law Jay Shrewsbury, and sister-in-law Ginger Arrants as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Tim also leaves behind his horse, Rope and dog, Traytyn.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Betty Wills, brother, Ross Wills, and sister, Janet Toedtli, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill & Betty Shrewsbury, and brother-in-law, Jim Arrants.
Celebration of his Cowboy Life will be held Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the Double L Arena-Laursen Arena. Greg White will officiate. Following the celebration everyone is welcome to join us at The Westside Event Center for sharing stories, memories, and a meal.