Kathleen M. Willems
October 28, 1928 -
March 11, 2017
Kathleen M. Willems, age 88, a lifelong resident of Kenosha, passed away on Saturday March 11, 2017 at Hospice Alliance/Hospice House.
Born on October 28, 1928, Kathleen was the daughter of the late Reuben and Leona (Joerndt) Vick. She attended St. George Grade School, Washington Junior High and was a graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School.
On April 21, 1951 at St. George Catholic Church, she was married to Robert O. Willems. They were blessed with five children, Kristine (Richard) Stibb, Janet (John) Bonaretti, Patrick (Judy) Willems, Paul (Laurie) Willems and Ann (Jeff) Marcinkus.
Besides being a wonderful wife, mother, and homemaker, Kathleen worked at Lockwood Oil, J.C. Penney, and as an educational assistant with the Kenosha Unified School District.
Since 1981, Kathleen has been a faithful member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. She was a member of the Holy Rosary Altar Society and the Catholic Women’s League.
Kathleen loved band music and met her husband, Bob, when they were in the C.Y.O. Band. They both loved dancing to big band music. In her later years, she enjoyed her flower gardens and feeding the many birds that came to visit her gardens.
In addition to her five children, Kathleen is survived by fourteen grandchildren, Christopher, Stacy, and Garrett Stibb; Nick, Natalie, Ben, Dominic, and Dante Bonaretti; Jacob, Andy, Anthony and Joshua Willems; and Jessica and Jenna Marcinkus; and her three great grandchildren, River, Zoe, and Veda Melcher.
She is further survived by her four sisters, Shirley (Ray) Gengembre, Audrey (Don) Martell, Mary Elizabeth, “Maybeth” (Archie) Foreman, and Maureen Madison.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Willems; her son-in-law, Jeff Marcinkus; and her grandson, Christian Willems.
Kathleen’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs at United Hospital System-Kenosha Hospital Campus and Hospice Alliance, Inc. for all the compassionate care they graciously provided.
Service Info
Funeral Services honoring Kathleen’s life will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 2224 45th St. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at the church for the Mass. Interment will follow in St. George Cemetery.
Posted by:
Gloria PetersonI'm so sorry that I missed this. I worked with Kathy for many years in the Title Program. She was a wonderful, kind, gentle woman, loved by everyone who came in contact with her. I'm so sorry for your loss. Know that Kathy will always fondly be remembered by her many friends, students and co-workers. What a wonderful woman! I was privileged to know her.
Posted by:
Jim and Georgeann MetalloThis is a little late, but we would like to extend our sympathy to the Williams family. Every Sunday your mom sat next to me (Georgeann) at the 10:30 mass. I will miss her as we are sure the loss is greater for the family. We will keep her in our prayers.
Posted by:
Deborah F. LarsenDear Willems family, Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom Kathy. She was a lovely person, and will be missed by many. Take solace in the fact that she and your dad are together again. Our prayers are with you, Deborah Larsen and Helen Larsen (Ray's mom).
Posted by:
Jan Stockey-AskinWe extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. Sincerely, Tom Askin and Jan Stockey-Askin
Condolences are with ya'll. May memories of happy times and Almighty God comfort and sustain ya'll . Warm christian love to the family.
Posted by:
Chuck and Kathy LeistenChuck and I are so sorry for your loss! Our Prayers are with you during this hard time! God Bless you all! Chuck and Kathy Leisten
Posted by:
Thom & Dorie PetersenDear Paul & Laurie & family, So sorry to hear of the passing of your loving Mom. We will come on Thursday to give you hugs & until then know we're praying for you & yours as you grieve. Love, Thom & Dorie
