Willard L. Ehrich, age 76, of Owatonna, died after a valiant fight with Mesothelioma on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at Homestead Hospice, Owatonna. Willard was born January 4, 1939 in Elmore, MN. the son of Walter and Ida (Hunt) Ehrich. He attended parochial and elementary school and graduated from Elmore High School in 1956. After graduating, he entered the army reserve and received an honorable discharge in August 1960. He fell in love at first sight with Laurel Orthel and the couple later married in Buffalo Center, IA. They would have celebrated 55 years of marriage on September 11th. After their marriage, the couple made their home in Elmore before moving to New Ulm and on to Owatonna in 1967. Willard studied at the Dunwoody Institute. He worked with the Owatonna School System, Jostens and the Owatonna Canning Company Co. as the chief boiler operator. He loved working with his hands and after completing his full-time work he would build twin homes and duplexes with the help from his sons. In his younger years Willard enjoyed trapping, hunting and more recently gardening vegetables and creating a beautiful flower garden where he spent many peaceful hours doing what he loved. Willard was also a member of the Kiwanis and helped with Meals on Wheels and the Bloodmobile. He is survived by his loving wife Laurel Ehrich of Owatonna four sons, Tim (and Traci) Ehrich of Owatonna and their children Travis and Anni (Nick) Yule; Jeff Ehrich (and Kathleen Luleff) of Euless, TX and his children Alexandria and Addison; Scott (and Heather) Ehrich of Rochester and their children Jake and Spencer (and Maddie); and Daniel Ehrich of Rochester. Willard is also survived by two step grandchildren Melissa (and Adam) and their son, Kaleb and Julie, two great grandchildren Charli and Luci Yule, a sister Irma Franke of Blue Earth; two brothers Eldon (and Janice) Ehrich of Elmore; Arnold (and Sharon) Ehrich in IA; and a special friend and her husband, Debbie (and Bill) Rowlett. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Melvin, Ivan and Harland. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Sunday, September 13, 2015 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and also one hour prior to the service in the church. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 14, 2015 at 11:00 am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Reverend Mark Rosenau and Reverend Greg Schlicker officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Owatonna Home Care and Hospice or donor's choice. Visitation: 09/13/2015 14:00 09/13/2015 17:00 Service: Owatonna and one hour prior to the service at the church. 09/14/2015 11:00