Claudia M. Will

Claudia M. Will

It is with great sadness and immense joy, because of the gift of Heaven, that the family of Claudia wishes to inform you of the passing of our beloved mother. She was called to glory on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025.

A Christian Funeral will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM with a memorial gathering from 9:00 - 10:45 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Fish Lake (20200 Fairlawn Ave.) in Prior Lake. Rev. Dr. Brent Parrish will preside, and Claudia's grandchildren will act as urn bearers. Claudia and her beloved husband Wally will be laid to rest at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Prior Lake.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be distributed by Claudia's family in her honor.

Claudia was born to Andrew and Frances Busch on June 6, 1931 on their farm in St. Benedict Township. She was the first of six children, and she developed her strong work ethic while living on the farm.

As a young woman, beautiful Claudia caught the eye of the local milk hauler, Wally Will. They were married four years later and welcomed two daughters and two sons.

The Will family made Prior Lake their home for 40 years. As a working wife and mother, Claudia found employment at the Hilltop Café. She was esteemed as the top chef and baker. Valley Cues in Shakopee was her next job, but her most enjoyable employer was Hot Shot Products in Savage, where she eventually retired from at 62 years of age.

In their retirement years, Wally and Claudia spent a great deal of time traveling the United States enjoying the company of family and friends.

In 2003, the Wills moved to New Prague, where they met their wonderful neighbors with whom they shared wonderful camaraderie for 23 years.

Claudia’s top priorities were her faith, her marriage of 74 years to Wally, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandson. Oh, and catching Sunnies, cleaning them and frying them to perfection.

Claudia is survived by her children, Wanda Zephirin, Mary (Leroy) Kroyer, Jeffrey (Kelly) Will; grandchildren, Tammy Greene, Timothy (Stacy) Zephirin, J. K. Will, Brock (Taralyn) Will, Jerry II (Shantelle) Will, April Will, Carrie Hackley; 17 great-granddaughters and 1 great-great-grandson; siblings, Roger (Jeannie) Busch; Myrtie Wolfe and Noreen (Colin) Smith.

She was greeted in Heaven by her beloved husband, Wally Will; son, Jerry Will; son-in-law, Donald Zephirin; granddaughter-in-law, Jasmine Bowman; parents, Andrew & Frances Busch; sister, Betty (Roman) Friedges; brother, Larry Busch; and brother-in-law, Denny Wolfe.

“Mom” was very strong-willed and possessed high morals which led her to treat people with respect and loving kindness and care. We find comfort in knowing she was welcomed in Heaven, with open arms, by Wally and her Savior, Jesus Christ. She will be greatly missed by her family and devoted friends.