Willard J. Ross, a lifelong resident of Racine, won his eternal serenity on Tuesday, October 29, 2013, at the age of 71.  He was the beloved husband of Ellen, loving father of, David Hearn and Susan (David) Vogt, proud grandfather of, Ashley, Sarah and Rachel Vogt, admired brother of, Virginia Nelson, and loving uncle, friend, and mentor to so many others. Willard was preceded in death by his siblings, Gordon, Charlotte, Vernon, Dorothy, and Kenneth. He was also preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law.

Willard was a 1961 graduate of Washington Park High School. He had been employed by Twin Disc Inc. He retired from a second career as a drug and alcohol counselor. For over 30 years he was a friend, advisor to many in the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. He was the founder of the Secret Pals Club, which was a great resource and tool for many unsuspecting individuals. Friends and relatives are invited to gather and remember Willard at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 5th at a service of remembrance to be held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will be held, in the funeral home, on Tuesday, from 5:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Memorials received by the family will be passed on to local AA related organizations in his honor memory and help the next person in their recovery.