[2][3][4] During the expedition, members of the Sioux nation came upon the wagon train outside of Fort Kearny and viewed Willie's remains, offering to escort the party to its destination in a swift manner.

The entire migration, 34 wagons total, survived the trip to present-day Menlo and Willie was buried on December 26, 1855,[b] on a hill that overlooks the state park.

Published accounts claim Willie's illness may have been due to cholera and the casket made of different types of materials, including zinc.

[8] Willie's body has been reported to have provided safe passage through Native American lands during the migration, assumed as a manner of respect for the dead during a time of war between settlers and indigenous people.

[11] The travel of Willie Keil's body was considered to be possibly the longest funeral procession in history by Guinness World Records.