Dad joined the US Army and upon completing basic training and other specialty schools, which include being an MP and Nuclear Weapons Specialist on the Army’s Redstone missiles. He was assigned overseas and stationed in Munchweiler Germany where he met his eternal companion, Waltrud Unfricht. They were married on January 6, 1961. Our parents’ love for one another was a true love story that endured for 64 years.

After completing his military service he returned home to Ogden. A short time later he joined the Ogden Police Department where he served in Patrol, Traffic, Detectives, Youth Bureau and Special Services. Dad retired from OPD after 25 years of service at the rank of Sergeant, having earned numerous accolades and commendations. After retiring, he worked at Defense Depot Ogden, Security Police Force where he rose to the rank of Chief. He worked part time over the years at Harmons Grocery Store in Ogden and Roy as their Chief of Security. Dad finished his years of employment at Hill Air Force Base.

Dad believed in community service and saw the youth as a valuable asset and worked tirelessly to promote activities and programs to help in their development and success. He was involved in inner city youth sports programs as a coach and advisor while working in the Ogden Police Dept. Youth Bureau. He donated countless hours coaching youth football, basketball, and baseball teams throughout his life as well as being actively involved in scouting events for the youth. He never turned down an opportunity to mentor and assist the youth within the community.

Our dad also believed in trying to improve the lives of others and had a strong sense of civic duty and service to others. He cared deeply about community and was elected three times to the Roy City Council and served one term as Roy City Mayor. He cherished the many interactions over the years with those he came in contact with and valued everyone he served with over the years. He respected all and believed in doing what was right, even if it was not always popular. He was one of those men that President Teddy Roosevelt spoke about in his speech in 1910 of “The Man in the Arena.”

Dad was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Together with my mom, they served a working mission at the Ogden Cannery. Throughout each stage of his life, he met life-long friends. He cherished each one of them and was up for it all. He was the friend and neighbor who would drive you to an appointment, drop off a meal or help with a project. Dad knew friendships and family were like a garden, which require work, they take time to maintain and nourish, and he was willing to put in the effort.

The true testament to dad’s passion was his devotion to his family. He was an amazing cook, he loved to hunt, fish, camp, travel and garden; but more than anything, he loved attending his kids’ sporting events. Later in life, this was extended to his grandchildren. He was their biggest cheerleader. Dad was an adventurous soul with a teasing nature and a great sense of humor that could lighten any moment, he lit up any room that he entered.

Our wonderful father is survived by his loving wife, Waltrud and his children, Willard F Cragun, Sabine and Bo Parker, Steve Cragun, and Chris and Tom Sackett. His brother, Lee and Lynette Cragun. His brother in laws, Liam Ryan, Ray Davis, Horst Unfricht. 10 beautiful grand- children and 16 great grandchildren. He was welcomed home in heaven to the loving arms of his parents; his second mom Grace, Father and Mother-in-law, Franz and Katarina Unfricht, his brothers; John, Ralph, his sisters Marge, Ellen, Bonnie, and grandson Colton along with many amazing friends.

Dad will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His kindness, playful teasing and warm sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy of love, laughter, devotion and service will never be forgotten.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to their devoted neighbors and friends. The entire Bristol Hospice Staff, the CNAs at Sunridge Assisted Living for caring for our dad, supporting him with dignity, kindness and respect during this very difficult time.

Friends and family are invited to attend the viewing on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 10 a.m.-noon at Myers Mortuary, 5865 S 1900 W Roy, UT 84067. Funeral services will follow from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Interment will follow at the Roy City Cemetery, located at 5200 S 2300 W Roy City, UT 84067.

Please leave a memory of Willard or to send the family condolences at: www.myers-mortuary.com