Gerrits, Willard J.

Other Events:

• Military Service: Bef 1946; WWII
• Obituary: Aft 22 Apr 2000

Notes:

Obituary:
Mr. Willard J. "Bill" Gerrits, 73, 1152 Loch Dr., passed away peacefully at home, with his wife at his side, Saturday, April 22, 2000. He was born March 19, 1927, in Amery, Wis., to the late George and Regina (Van Asten) Gerrits. Mr. Gerrits served his county in the U.S. Army. He married Esther Lemmens on February 5, 1972. Bill was employed as a truck driver by Fairmont Foods for 36 years, before retiring in 1984. He enjoyed bowling and playing cards with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Esther; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Gerri and James Schumann, Tripoli; Rose and Dana Kiesling, Sandwich, Ill.; Debbie Hutchenson, Denver, Colo.; a son, Wayne Malezewski, Appleton, Wis.; five stepchildren and their spouses, Joyce and Steve Libal, Little Meadows, Penn.; Chris and Merlin Vande Walle, Crivitz; Donna VanEycke, Jack and Lou Ann VanEycke, Lori and Bob Becker, all of Green Bay; 16 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Alvin and Norma Gerrits, Oneida; Roy and Sylvia Gerrits, Green Bay; four sisters, Jean Verheyden and her friend, Lloyd Kropp, Seymour; Margaret Kropp, Martha Nicholson and Ann Wagner, all of Green Bay; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John "Flash" Lemmens, Green Bay; Arnold and Verna Lemmens, Black Creek; Bernard "Chief" and Kathy Lemmens, Josephine Coenen, Mickey and Andy Hoes, all of Green Bay; Anna Abel, Menasha; Martha Melchert, Black Creek; Sally and Ernie Ossman, Seymour; and Harriet and Ken Rolkoski, Green Bay. He is also survived by many other relatives and special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Larry Gerrits; one brother, Sylvester Gerrits; four brothers-in-law, and a very special friend and sister-in-law, Audie Lemmens. Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 3 to 8 p.m. today. The Parish Wake Service will be at 4 p.m. today. Friends may also call at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1484 Ninth St., from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be a! t 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church with the Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Village of Howard.
Esther would like to extend a heartful thank you to Unity Hospice, Dawn, Heidi, Kaye, Dr. Bayer and Dr. Anderas. A special thank you to her Godchild and Bill's favorite niece, Sherry Lemmens. LIFE'S JOURNEY Shed your tears and Let them flow Because we all know I have to go. My journey has started I'm not afraid It is for you that I Continue to pray. My life here was good Exciting and full Filled with family and Friends when I needed a pull. To make my family proud Was my main goal I leave you now with only Love in my soul I have no regrets This I want you to know Please take care of each other it's my time to go. Goodbye for now I'm still in your hearts Be strong for me While we are apart I am with him now What a beautiful feeling This is all part of GOD'S Glorious healing. Written by: Sherry Lemmens

Willard married Lemmens, Esther (daughter of Lemmens, Martin and Derks, Elizabeth) [Group Sheet]