Willard Alfred Jost, age 95, a resident of Lake House Senior Living Sheboygan, died peacefully on Saturday, October 3, 2026, after a struggle with several illnesses.

Born on February 26, 1931 in Sheboygan, Will was the son of the late Alfred and Elsie (Burhop) Jost.

He attended local schools, and graduated from Sheboygan Central High School in 1949. After starting college at UW-Madison, he served in the U.S. Army for two years, the second year with U.S. forces in Germany. Will also attended Lakeland College, graduating with a BA in German in 1962, and eventually earning an MA in French from UW-Milwaukee in 1978.

Throughout his professional life, Will taught high school German and French in Walworth, East Troy, and Sheboygan. He was also an instructor for English as a Second Language for Lakeshore Technical Collage until his retirement in 1993. After retirement he continued to tutor English for the Literary Council of Sheboygan County. He was a member of the Sheboygan County Retired Teachers Association and LeGroup Francais of Sheboygan.

Will was a lifelong member of St. Mark Lutheran church in Sheboygan. He sang in the church choir, and for decades taught an Adult Bible Class, where his work was so appreciated that in September of 2026, the congregation formally dedicated the Willard Jost Bible Study Room in his honor. Will’s faith in the God of Abraham revealed in Christ was real and enduring, and though he was in life, until the very end, he was not afraid to die.

Over the years Will travelled extensively, first through the army, and later with friends and Road Scholar groups. He was fluent in German and French, self-taught in Spanish, and learned Hmong while teaching English as a Second Language.

He enjoyed classical music and until his vision dimmed, played piano brilliantly.

Will had many friends especially in Sheboygan, and knew everything about the city and its history. He was kind and generous, soft-spoken with an ironic sense of humor, intellectual, well-read and independent. He has been called by friends, “The Professor,” and “Magnificent.”

He loved and thoroughly appreciated his family, and in his last days when speech was difficult, he made a point to bless his family including his newly born great grand-nephew Izan.

Will is also survived by his nieces Kathy and Karen, their husbands Dick Karfonta and James Edgar, his five grand-nieces and grand-nephew, and eight more great grand-nieces & nephews.

In addition to his parents, Will is preceded in death by his brother Donald Jost, his sister-in-law Inge (Rogge) Jost, and his dear friend Patricia Schlegel.

A funeral service will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1019 N 7th St, Sheboygan, on Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 4:00 pm, with Pastor Tyler Werner officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at the church.

Burial with military honors will take place at Wildwood Cemetery in Sheboygan on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

The family asks that memorials be directed to St. Mark Lutheran Church.

Ballhorn Chapels is honored to care for Willard and his family. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting our website at www.ballhornchapels.com.