Erik F. Willy

Erik F. Willy, 88, of Logansport passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at Rosewalk Village of Lafayette, IN.

Born on November 15, 1937 in Logansport, he was the son of the late John and Esther (Barrett) Willy.

Erik was an unforgettable, big-hearted, passionately creative, fun-loving soul with a forever great sense of humor. He was deeply grounded in family and friends. His career paths spanned being: a hair stylist in Hollywood, CA, with many celebrities among his clientele; a residential and retail interior designer and decorator, specializing in holiday and seasonal decor; and a manager for Hilton Hotels in Orlando, FL. He was an avid gardener and morel mushroom hunter, and quite the enthusiast of theater and film. Other passions included cooking and entertaining, inspired at an early age by his beloved mother and the neighboring Italian Beltemacchi family (who have remained lifelong friends), both of whose recipes remained forever favorites in his cooking rotation. His design/decorating, entertaining. and cooking talents were shared throughout his personal life as well, in such ways as follows: at all forms of gatherings of family and friends (where he was often coined the life of the party); through involvement in Civic Players and other community activities such as Halloween experiences, and parade-float creation; and, for the fellow residents of his apartment building in Logansport where he resided in retirement, seasonal decor in the lobby and common spaces throughout the building, planning/cooking/serving many years of dinners for major holidays, and often sharing of his cooking informally with neighbors.

Survivors include many relatives of both the Barrett and Willy families. Among these are: cousin, Helen Wilson and her daughter, Mary Ann Quaglio; brother-in-law, Jack Winegardner; nieces and nephews Garry Shideler, Robert Steven Shideler, Dianna Shideler, Michael Willy, Patrick Willy, David Cris Willy, Connie Shoemaker, Vickie Walker, Trudy Cox, Rob O’Rear, Lori Borden, Lisa Frost, Leah Slaughter, Greg Fauvergue, Bruce Fauvergue, Mark Modricker, and Darin Winegardner.

In addition to his parents, Erik was preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses: Marilyn Shideler (Robert), John Willy (Allene), Dorothy Coppock (Trueman), Kathleen Downham (Robert), Leroy Willy, Carolyn Fauvergue (Valice), Eleanore Winegardner, and his twin brother, Edwin Willy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Logansport Community Foundation, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, or an organization of personal choice.

Erik will be laid to rest at Mt. Hope Cemetery beside his twin brother Edwin.

His online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared at www.ransfuneralhomes.com