As a small child the family moved to a farm near Raymond, NE. At school age the family moved to Lincoln, NE. He graduated from Lincoln High in 1962. After high school he worked as a machinist for Gordon and Morgan. Additionally in 1970 he hired out as a conductor for Burlington Northern. He retired in 1994. He then started his own welding business, Hawk Enterprises. He welded out at Eagle Raceway for close to twenty years.
Willie loved to work on cars. He passed along this passion to his children and grandchildren. Willie also enjoyed SASS Cowboy Shooting, with his grandson Seth. He was a judge for the Abate Bike Show for many years. He was also a member of multiple associations which included the NRA, NCOWS and within NCOWS he was a part of the Blue River Regulators. He was also a member of the Izaak Walton League Shooting Range.
Survivors include his wife, Linda; daughter's DeAnn (Pete) Pietrowski, Windy (Edward) Pickett, Jessica (Matt) Mason; son Andrew (Tracy) Goodyear; grandchildren Brandon, Jackson and Ashley Goodyear, Lilly and Seth McCormick, and LeeAnna Mason; brother Richard Ideen; two nieces Shauna and Carie Ideen; great nephew RayShaun Ideen; and great, great nephew Daydrian Ideen. Preceded in death by his father Earl and mother Lucille Ideen.
A visitation for Willie will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68512. A funeral service will occur Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. A private family burial will take place. Memorials are in the care of the family for future designation.
