Elmer Joseph Willems

Elmer J. Willems, 88, Algoma, passed away, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at his home after a long battle with liver cancer, with his family at his side.  He was born June 7, 1936, in Brussels, WI to Leonard and Doris (DeGrave) Willems.  
The family moved to Algoma and Elmer graduated from Algoma High School.  After high school he attended Carroll College in Waukesha, where he met and married Barbara Bolles on June 16, 1956, in Illinois.  In 1967 they moved back to Algoma. 
Elmer served in the Army Reserves from 1955 - 1967.  He worked at Olsonite for many years and then Monarchware as Supervisor of Quality Assurance. 
Elmer was involved as a Boy Scout Leader for 10 years, 4-H Leader for 20 years, AKC Obedience Judge for 32 years, he was a member of the Green Bay Shetland Sheepdog Club and the Packerland Kennel Club. Elmer enjoyed woodworking and began Cedaridge Scrollery in 1997, to sell his work at craft shows.  
Elmer is survived by his two daughters Kathy (David) Dachlet and Jan Willems; siblings Jule (Grier) Willems, Diane (Jim) Martin, Jim (Wendy) Willems, Dora (John) Meyer and Suzy Wians; many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Barbara, four brothers and one sister.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the Schinderle Funeral Home, Algoma, and continuing on Tuesday July 30, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Algoma, from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM with Father Andrew Kurz officiating.  Burial in the church cemetery to follow.
The family wants to give a special thank you to Unity Hospice, especially, Heather, Angie, Amy and Jenny and his two special caregivers Becki Joski and Lori Schulz.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made out to the American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Foundation in memory of Elmer.
Express your sympathy, memories and pictures on Elmer's tribute page at www.schinderlefuneralhome.com
The Schinderle Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements for Elmer and his family.
 

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