Willie Versaw

Willie K Versaw was born September 22, 1895 to Frederick & Minnie (Cook) Versaw. He was one of five children. He graduated from Franklin High School on May 22nd, 1913 and afterwards went on to teach at the district 75 school east of Macon, NE for one year. He loved agriculture and went on to study at the University of Nebraska College of Agriculture in Lincoln where he played football for the Bug-eaters and graduated in 1917. 

Willie joined the military in early 1918 and served as a Private with Signal Corp in Connecticut until WWI ended. He was an active member of the Veterans of WWI and American Legion Post 209 in Franklin. His brother Earl also served as a Corporal in the Army during WWI. 

Once he returned home from the war, Willie went back to the occupation he enjoyed most-farming. He was active in the practice of soil conservation and received many awards for his efforts.

He married his wife, Lois Martin, in June 1926 and had five children: Helen, Keith, Norma, Dixie & Elaine. After 45 years on the farm, he and his wife moved into town where he spent much of his time working in his garden, researching family history and making projects out of wood. All of his children and grandchildren received hope chests, jewelry boxes, cutting boards, and picture frames that he made with loving care. Willie was instrumental in publishing of the Versaw history in 1971. 

Willie was also a member of the Franklin United Methodist Church for over 75 years where he taught Sunday School, served on numerous church boards and was the church financial secretary. He served on the local REA board for 35 years. 

Willie dies on July 5th, 1985 at the age of 87. At his passing, he left his wife, 5 children, and 23 grandchildren. Four of those grandchildren live in the Grand Island area today.