Quentin F. Willems, 95, of De Pere, WI passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2014. He was born on October 2, 1918 to the late Frank and Nora (Van Gemert) Willems. Quentin attended St. Boniface Elementary School, Nicolet High School, and received a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business and Accounting from St. Norbert College in 1941. On November 15, 1943, at Old Saint Joseph's Church in De Pere, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Seymour, daughter of the late Edward and Laura (Knuth) Seymour of De Pere.
Quentin is survived by Dorothy, his beloved wife of 70 years. He was the proud father of their six children, spouses, and families. He was preceded in death by their son Edward, survived by daughter-in-law Patricia (Goodman) and Jack Shomion, St. Paul, MN; Beth (Peter) Lilly, Elk Mound, WI; Mary (Greg) Van Grinsven, Boulder Junction, WI; Anne (William) Daley, Mesa, AZ; Lynne (Daryl) Sobczak, Milwaukee, WI; and Gretchen (Jarett) Luther, Clarkston, MI.
He is further survived by fifteen grandchildren and their families which include seven great-grandchildren: Brian Willems, David (Sabrina) Willems, Jessica (Adam) Willems-Schnieders and their children Addison and Drew, Julie Lilly-Solenberg and her daughter Ashley, Brian Lilly, Ricky Lilly, Marc (Adita) Van Grinsven and their children Kailynn and Avelene, Matt (Elsa) Van Grinsven and their son Ayler, Patrick (Kimberly) Daley and their daughter Hannah, Katherine (Brian) Daley-Krauss, Benjamin Sobczak, Amber Sobczak, Joshua Luther, Andrea Luther, and Erica Luther.
Quentin was one of thirteen children, all of whom have preceded him in death except for his youngest brother Carroll Willems and sister-in-laws Frances Willems and Beatrice Willems. His siblings and their spouses include: Arnold (Edith) Willems, Lawrence (Margaret) Willems, Norbert (Elvira) Willems, Louis (Frances) Willems, Mark (Blanche) Willems, Gilbert (Magdalene) Willems, Gerald (Beatrice) Willems, Carroll (Marie) Willems, Rose (William) Marcey, Marie (Roy) Radosevich, Rita (Sherman) Goddard, and Janet (William) Benzine.
After serving in the Sixth Service Command of the U.S. Army for three and a half years during WWII, Quentin joined The Larsen Co. in Green Bay, WI in 1946. The last twelve of his forty year career at Larsen's was as President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Directors. He also served as a board member of Dean Foods Co., Kellogg-Citizens National Bank, Associated Banc Corp., Mirro Aluminum Co., The Banta Co., National Food Processors, Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, the American Foundation of Religion and Psychiatry, and a Board of Trustees' member of St. Norbert College (Emeritus Member) in addition to memberships on several industry and civic committees. Quentin was also an Emeritus Member of Oneida Golf & Country Club and a recipient of the esteemed Alma Mater Award from St. Norbert College. He was a faithful member at St. Francis Xavier Church, De Pere, WI and St. Anne Catholic Church, Boulder Jct., WI.
Quentin's love of music could be heard all around town. He played trumpet in various organizations including the Nicolet High School Band, St. Norbert College ROTC Band, Green Bay City Band, Green Bay Symphony, and the original Green Bay Packer Band in addition to being Band Director at Reedsville High School. Over the years he used his rich, deep bass singing voice in his high school chorus and numerous church choirs and was the Director of the St. Boniface and St. John's Church Choirs.
He enjoyed fishing, golfing, hunting, boating, racquet ball, and proudly told of how he still went downhill skiing at age 81. He was an avid Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan. But most of all he treasured spending time with his family.
Visitation will be at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. 10th Street in De Pere from 4-6PM, ending with a prayer service at 6PM on Sunday, September 28th. Visitation will continue at 10AM on Monday, September 29th at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church 220 S. Michigan Street, De Pere, until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM with Fr. Richard Getchel officiating. Please go to www.ryanfh.com if you would like to send on-line condolences to the family.
In honor of Quentin's passion for education and proud association with St. Norbert College, donations can be made to the The Willems Scholarship Fund in care of St. Norbert College, Attention Advancement Office 100 Grant Street, De Pere, Wi. 54115. in lieu of flowers.
The Willems Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who stopped by to visit, wrote letters, called, and offered prayers and support. A special thank you to all his doctors, nurses, the staff at Rennes Health & Rehab, and Unity Hospice staff for the wonderful and compassionate care you bestowed. We are all so very appreciative for your assistance, expertise, and friendship.