Robert Wesley “Bob” Willis was born January 10, 1925, to Andrew and Amy Willis. Bob loved
his family and was a wonderful son to his parents and brother to his two brothers and sister. He
loved Laramie, and could give you a full history on Laramie, who built your house, where they
worked, and could track your family line back at least three generations. Bob never met a
Stranger; no one left a conversation with him without learning something and feeling better
about themselves.
Bob was the most loving husband, father, grandfather; he was married to Kaye Blackner for 72
years and had five children, Debbie Mickelsen (Roger, children Melissa, Amy, Shaun and
Meghan), Ron (Debbie), Heather (Grace, Robbie and Mary), Rob (Mary, children Ben and
Abby), and Wendi Welniak (Randy, children Craig, Michael, Katie, Emma, and Heidi). He also
had 13 great-grandchildren.
Bob served as a rifleman in the US Army’s 26th Infantry Division during World War II. He earned
the Purple Heart and Bronze Star during The Battle of the Bulge. After recovering from a serious
wound sustained in combat, Bob was released again to the front line where he would see the
end of the war, ultimately being witness to the release of Buchenwald Concentration Camp
survivors. He then cared for 20 Polish Jewish girls who had been released from the camp, as
they prepared to testify to war crimes. Bob was later called back to the Army’s 10th Infantry
Division in 1951 to train young soldiers before deploying to Korea.
Following the end of his US military service, Bob served an LDS mission to Holland. Upon
returning to the University of Wyoming, he completed his degree in zoology. Bob received his
DMD and was a dentist in Laramie for 49 years, retiring at the age of 78. Bob loved getting to
know his patients and care for their families and was a true servant leader to the Laramie
community.
Bob loved to fish, specifically in French Creek, in the Snowy Range. He was a beautiful skier as
well. Bob also was the proud co-owner of a Cessna and loved to fly. He loved visiting with
people, a good cold Pepsi, and sharing home-cooked dishes, including mashed potatoes,
cheesecakes and his world-class apple and cherry-berry pies.
Bob lived independently in his beloved home of 63 years, until the age of 101 +1 month. He left
us too soon, wanting more, on March 5, 2026.
Donations in memory can be made to the Ivinson Memorial Hospital Foundation, where
he received loving, wonderful care. Family graveside service to be held at a later date.
To the Willis Family, As I read each condolence, I was not surprised by the similarity of the heartfelt messages for the man respected and loved by so many! As he did for me, he seemed to do for all in one way or an other. I miss the times he walked by my house on his way to his office and later when he and I drove to Denver together to pick up cars for Laramie GM. These two memories are preceded by the years he treated my family and me as our dentist. I am so thankful for his loving influence in my life. Ryan Fulton
To the Willis family- My deepest condolences— your dad was such a great guy! He was my dentist in high school back in the 70s, and it was so fun to run into him (usually at Ridleys) these past 4-5 years and have a wonderful visit. He always remembered me or my parents and always was cheerful. What an amazing life he lived!! - Laurie Wickersham Hill
We’ve lost a good man. What a full life he had and shared with many. The memories will get you through. Love and Prayers to you and your family.
Wendy, I don't know if you remember me from high school, but I knew your dad from my earliest of memories to when I left Laramie. He was by definition a very good man. A role model for all of us your men should strive to be. I know I am a better having known. Please accept my condolence and your father's memory is a blessing.
He was the best dentist in Laramie. 30 years ago I had cancer and ended up with a bad tooth during my treatment. He treated me for free and told me to get through the cancer. What an incredible human being. He definitely deserves his wings..
To all the Willis. So sorry for your lose. He was a great guy and always stopped to talked to you. Glad I knew him. My heart goes out to all of you.
Dear Willis Family, I was one of the many neighborhood kids when you lived on Rainbow Ave. Later, like many, Dr. Willis was my dentist for many years. I always remember his cheerfulness, and his whistling. He was a really good whistler! Of course, he was a kind dentist, an important quality for a dentist. What an interesting, amazingly long life he had. Thank you for sharing a few bits of that life for those of us who only knew him as "Dr. Willis." Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Beth Lawlor Fiedler
Debbie, To you and your whole wonderful family, many hugs and condolences on the loss of your dad. He had a wonderful life, and you and your siblings are a great legacy for your parents to leave for all of us! Much love to you all!
My deepest sympathy to the family. He was a great person. May he rest in peace. Vicki Heinrich (Corbin)
Bob was the sweetest man I have ever met. His presence lit up the spirits of everyone who interacted with him. I hope knowing that he was so inspirational to many brings your family peace. I will miss him, and will always cherish his words of wisdom he shared.
Loved this man, and he was such a caring dentist to all of us Lundberg kids. My sympathies for you all in this great loss, may Jesus comfort and being peace as only He can. 🩷✝️🙏🏼 Marcy Lundberg Moore
Dr. Willis’s presence was a present to me. A pleasure to have known him
I have always known who Doc Willis was but I did not know him until his 100th year. I met him at the Eppson Center and it seemed we knew each other a lifetime. I think he was so sincere and genuine. I truly enjoyed him. Thanking him for his presence ~it was a present to my life.
Chris first met Bob when she arrived in Laramie as a newly graduated dental hygienist in the 70’s. Together they visited grade schools, providing oral health care education as part of their professional society activities. Bob told me that story when I joined his coffee group a few years ago. Since that time I have heard many of his stories about the people and places here in Laramie. He often ended those stories with “probably more than you wanted to know.” That was never true, I liked those stories. I miss him.
Dear Willis family, my deepest condolences to you. We were blessed to have Dr Willis as our neighbor and was such a great man. So many memories of him, but my favorite was the cheesecakes he and Ron would make for Bernadette. Always so generous and kind to everyone he met. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this time.
Willis Family! Bob will be so missed. I have always loved him! From listening to stories of him and my grandpa when they were kids to my mom working for him and him being our dentist! Sending love you all!! Love Monica Banks Fowler
Dear Sweet Willis family...Your Dad was the absolute best cousin. I stayed with all the Willie's when my sister Gretchen was born...Bob and Ron took me to town several times for malts or ice cream. We had a fun old time together...Ron taught me how to shuffle cards! Ha! Bob was the sweetest! When going to UW...he cleaned my teeth...never have ever had such a good cleaning in my life. Read the wonderful article about him in the Coeboy State News. How I loved him....he gave the eulogy for our Mom, Ruth...Aunt Amy's sister. All of those Porter familys were so special to us ! He will be missed!!
Oh goodness!! This loss is a very hard one! He was such an AMAZING & CARING individual! He will always have a place in my heart! He was the best!! Love you bunches Dr. Willis!! Jo McQueary
I’m so sorry to hear about Bob’s passing! He was one of my favorite cousins. He fixed my teeth when my family visited his mother, my Aunt Amy (my mother’s sweet sister) & when I was a student at UW! After I was married I sent our Christmas letters to Bob and he always answered back. He told me he was exhausted with the news of refinishing & updating 3 homes we lived in for the 28 years we were married. Bob could always make me laugh & I loved him dearly! One of the best men I’ve ever known.
Gretchen Black Papka Bob was one of my favorite cousins! He took care of my teeth when I was a student at UW & other times when my family visited his mother, my Aunt Amy (my mother’s dear sister)! After I was married used to send my Christmas letters to Bob & Kaye - Bob always wrote me back. He told me he was exhausted after reading my letters because we were so busy redoing the 3 different houses we lived in for the 28 years we were married! Bob could always make me laugh & I loved him dearly!
You know my feelings about this wonderful person. My friend!!!! My deepest sympathies. Mike Comly
Dear Dr. Comly, Thank you so very much for your friendship and guidance as dad left the bonds of Earth for Heaven. You and Dr. Bjore gave him the reassurance needed to find peace as he left this life. And thank you for visiting his flock of birds and squirrels as they will miss him too. Peace to you and your family!
my mom loretta loved him as her dentist always says how great a person he was.
What a life he lived. He meant so much to me and my family. I loved his thoughtfulness, compassion and sense of humor. I’m very sorry for your loss of such a great man. -Marie Hanson
The nicest most genuine man ever!
The Del and Luana Stevens' children (Susan Kay Clayton and Shirien) would like to offer condolences and kind wishes to the family of this great old fellow, whom our family loved during our years in Laramie (1956-1976) when Dad taught at UW. He and our mother, long deceased, would have been pleased when some ones or other of their children made flying visits home to Laramie from parts distant...and stopped in to see "Dr. Bob the dentist", or "Bob, the old friend". At his office once, several years back, he came out to see some of us in the car, {leaving his (poor) patient waiting with his mouth open}, but with genuine happiness, greeted us as old friends. Just last September, two of us Stevens Children dropped in for a visit with him at his home on Corthell Rd. As he saw us coming, a wide grin split his face and with his warm welcome, we had a delightful visit. He loved telling about all his children; he loved hearing about our own family. What a delightful, memorable visit to Bob, at age 100 then, and just as charming as always. Our Stevens Family wishes our very best love and the comfort of Bob's memory, to all the Willis Clan. Sincerely, Susan Stevens Tuft
Hi Susan, thank you for your kind words and memories. I think of your family every time I drive by your old house next to Washington Park. I'm glad you got to see dad last year and hope all's well with your family.
Dr. Willis was our family dentist for many years. It as always a pleasure to talk with him, but I never knew what a heroic life this kind, always friendly and thoughtful man had led. Like so many of his generation he did great deeds with no fanfare. RIP Dr. Willis.
Dear Willis Family: Our deepest condolences on your loss - Doc was a beloved member of the Eppson Center for Seniors Coffee Guys Group for years upon years. His genuine smile and sparkle in his eye will be greatly missed by the other Coffee Guys, Patrons, Staff and Board at the Center. You are in our hearts! Rest peacefully Doc, we're all a little bit better off because we got to know you and some of us owe our smiles to you! Tammy Comer and the Eppson Center Staff and Board of Directors
We send our heartfelt sympathy to all of the Willis family. Bob Willis touched and impacted the lives of numerous people in such a positive way. His loss and love will be felt by all who knew him. RIP Barb& Bob Fiero
What a great man. He will be missed. Jim and I would see him occasionally and he would always stop to talk remembering back forever and a day ago (especially Jim and his younger days). He was both of our dentist till he retired and haven't found one like him since. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kaye, Debbie, Ron, Heather, Rob, Wendi BOB WILLIS: The epitome of a gentleman, a warrior, a loving son, brother, husband, father, grand and great-grandfather! Bob was a true and caring friend with a hugh heart and a great sense of humor! He was a fantastic storyteller, often relating fun facts about Wyoming, Laramie, fishing trips, silly situations, and himself, etc. Actually, Bob was a JOY to be around! Heaven is just finding that out!!
Willis family, What an amazing life he led. Memories of him walking or riding his bike heading to work or doing his errands brings a smile to my face. He taught us all the meaning of A Life Well Lived. Thank you for sharing him. May your memories help you through this difficult time.
To the family I am deeply sorry for your loss your father was a very special person that I will truly miss. I grew up with the privilege to be associated with the whole family from grade school till the present! Always saw him driving his classic car around the city. What a special man that was truly special. RIP Doc!
Dear Willis family, we are saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Willis. Bob was always welcoming with his huge smile and interested in what you had to say. Your husband, father and grandfather was definitely a gentleman and clearly part of the greatest generation. Rest in Peace Sir.
Heather, my prayers are with you and your family.
Heather and family, Dr. Willis was a wonder father and a valued and long time contributer to the community. May you all be comforted in this time of loss.
What a wonderful tribute to a very special man! It was a pleasure to know him. Our sincere condolences to the entire Willis family.
So very sorry for the loss of Dr. Willis. He had such a big heart and was the kindest, friendliest man I ever knew. Dr. Willis was my dentist for lots of years right up until he retired. He loved his family and took every opportunity to tell you about them, but never missing a chance to ask about your family. Laramie will just not be the same without Dr. Willis; my thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Ronnie, Robbie, Debbie and Wendy. My condolences to you and your families. I know your profound sense of loss. Your dad was one of the great ones, for sure! I have so many memories that I can't list them all. He had an amazing run and was an amazing man.
If you bumped into Bob and got to spend time with him then suddenly, even if it was only for a few minutes that day got much better. My condolences to the family. Tim McConnell Laramie Auto Center
He is in heaven with Rod Chisholm who often said that Bob Willis was the kindest man he'd ever known. They shared a dental building for years. Maxine
Thank you Maxine. He enjoyed working so close to your husband and quickly formed an enduring friendship. Peace to you and your family.
Thank you for your post Mrs. Chisholm. Rod and dad were more than co-tenants and formed a fast, enduring friendship. Peace to you and your family.
My condolences to all the Willis Family. Had many great conversations with Bob on some of our Laramie GM car runs. I’ll hold those memories in my heart. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Wendi and family, Our prayers and love to you all. Your dad was always so kind and I know how much you loved him. May you find comfort in the coming days. Love, Christina (Hood) Moore
Debbie, Ron, Heather, Rob and Wendi and families, My deepest sympathy for the loss of Dr Willis. He was not only my dentist for many years, but he was a very loyal customer of First Interstate Bank for many years. We could almost set our clocks by his coming in daily on his lunch hour. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thanks for your post Debbie. Dad let us know how much he enjoyed his bank visits; particularly visiting you and Mrs. Bernatow.