Wieland "Willie" J. Kayser, 96, of Lena, IL passed away peacefully, with his daughter holding his hand on Sunday, March 10, 2024.  Willie was born on April 2, 1927 in Hockenheim German to Wilhem and Katherina (Auer) Kayser.  At four years old, Willie moved to New York with his parents.  While in New York, Willie began his meat cutting career at a local grocery store.  At the age of 18, Willie was drafted into the United States Army/ Air Force.  In the military, he was able to continue working on his meat cutting.  In 1947, Willie married the love of his life, Esther Schafer, in Lena, Illinois.  In 1952, Willie started his on the farm slaughter service, in 1955 he built the butchering plant, and in 1967, added a major expansion to handle the growing business.  Esther and Willie received many awards over the years.  In 1993, they retired from Lena Maid Meats.

Willie was very active in his community.  He was a volunteer firefighter and a chief for seven years, past president of the Lena Business and Professional Associated, Lena Historical Society, and Illinois Association of Meat Processors.  Willie was also a current member of AAMP, IAMP, and WAMP, local Pork Producers Association, and Beef Producers Association.  He was a past member of the Advisory Council to local school and co-op programs.

Willie was a current member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  In Willie's earlier years, he was in the church choir, and church council.  He was also a past president of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church council.

Willie is survived by his daughter; Kathy Clay, son-in-law; James Clay, grandchildren; Jacob Clay, Elizabeth Clay, Matthew (Sarah) Clay, and Rachel (Nathan Lott) Clay, a great-grandson; Logan Clay, brother; Karl Kayser, brother-in-law Henry Reichardt, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Esther in 2010, son Michael Wesley Kayser in 1978, brother Paul Kayser, and two sisters; Barbara Reichardt, and Erika Prygocki.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lena, IL.

A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, March 15, 2024 at Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

Burial will be at Lena Burial Park in Lena, IL.

Pastor Thomas Mosbo will officiate the services.

A memorial has been established in his memory for the Lena Area Historical Society.