Willis "Willy" Robert Heupel

Willis “Willy” R. Heupel passed on August 5, 2021, surrounded by love at Peace Hospice. Willy was born July 21, 1934, on his family farm in Medina, North Dakota. Rumor has it that he weighed in at 13 pounds. His mother, Eva, being barely 5 feet tall, must have decided Willy was her last because he was the youngest of six children. Willy attended Medina schools, participating in band, playing basketball, joking, and maybe doing as little schoolwork, and as much socializing as possible. He graduated at age 17, enrolled in the Army when he turned 18 and then went home to tell his mother. He served during the Korean Conflict. His military service was always a matter of pride for him and the source of many of his stories. Willy attended Valley City State Teacher’s College in Valley City, North Dakota. He met his future wife, Syneva Nordquist, when he asked her if she would like to buy him a cup of coffee. They married May 31, 1958. Willy and Syneva, both teachers, moved to Great Falls, MT, in 1959. Willy started his Great Falls teaching career at Lewis and Clark Elementary School. He was asked to be a school principal after two years of teaching. He received his Master’s Degree of Education in Administration attending summer school at the University of Montana. He served as principal of Washington, Largent, Russell, Mountain View, Sacajawea, Chief Joseph, and Longfellow Schools. He opened Mountain View School in 1970, as an open concept school, which he learned about, advocated for, and brought back to his colleagues. Willy received many awards and recognition as an educator dedicated to being a positive influence on elementary students in Montana. He retired in June of 1992. Willy and Syneva are parents of Ramona Heupel of Billings and Wade (Stacy) Heupel of Boise, ID. Willy loved his grandchildren, Jordan of Austin, TX and soon of Ann Arbor, MI, Austin of Lee, NH, and Kenna of Boise, ID. The accomplishments of his grandchildren were a source of great joy for Willy. He shared his love of reading, organization, wood working, camping, and traveling with his kids and grandchildren. Thanks for the great memories! Willy was an active member of First Congregational Church and was a past member of the Optimist and Elks Clubs. Willy loved to chat and tell jokes. He volunteered for the Great Falls Visitor’s Center to share his love of Great Falls. He was so interested in where people were from and where they were going. Willy is survived by his wife, Syneva; children; and grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Ken and Richard Nordquist, and their wives, Diane and Edna; as well as Charles (Vi) Hartman, who were always family to him. He is also survived by many nieces; nephews; and friends who held a special place in his heart. Willy was preceded in death by his parents, August and Eva Heupel; brothers and their wives, Wilbert (Lorraine), Elmer (Vera), Norman (Lillymae), and Raymond (Mary); sister, Milly Hartman; in-laws, Carl and Ethel Nordquist; brother-in-law, Lowell (Carol) Nordquist; and a very special sister-in-law, Dorothy Nordquist. We would be remiss if we did not thank all the relatives and friends who enriched Willy’s life. He talked of you often and fondly. He missed those who passed before him. Maybe they are dancing in heaven with Willy. He would always be first on the dance floor. Thank you, Willy, from your family for giving us such a wonderful life. You will forever be loved and in our hearts. A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church, 2900 9th Ave. So, Great Falls, on September 10, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church of Great Falls, the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation, or the charity of one’s choice.