Willems, Aaron Toews (1902-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Jan 18 p. 5

Birth date: 1902 Mar 24

text of obituary:

. . .

— Aron [sic Aaron] T. Willems, 59, died Monday, Jan. 15, at his home in McPherson. He was a resident of the Inman community until about eight years ago. Survivors include his widow, the former Tillie Ratzlaff; two daughters, Mrs. Elmer Weyand of Newton and Mrs. Roy Stern of Chicago; a son Calvin of McPherson; three brothers and three sisters, and six grandchildren. A brother, Jake Willems, is a resident of Newton. Funeral services are to he held Thursday afternoon at the First Mennonite Church in McPherson, of which he was a member.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Apr 12 p. 8

text of obituary:

AARON T. WILLEMS

Aaron T. Willems was born March 24, 1902, at Inman, Kansas, the son of Jake and Anna Toews Willlems.

On June 18, 1922, he was baptized by Elder John Esau upon the confession of his faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and admitted into the fellowship of the Zoar Mennonite Church. Elder John Esau continued to exert a strong spiritual influence on him during his boyhood days, an influence which stayed with him to the end.

On Sept. 6, 1931, he entered into the holy state of matrimony with Matilda Ratzlaff of Lehigh, Kan. to this union were born two daughters and one son, Calvin of McPherson, Mrs. Erletta Weyand of Newton, and Mrs. Phillies Stern of Chicago. He also leaves to mourn his departure his devoted wife, Matilda; six grandchildren; three sisters, Miss Anna Willems and Mrs. Hulda Ensz of Inman, Mrs. Marie Neufeld of Hutchinson; three brothers, Jake Willems of Newton, Abe Willems of Inman and Pete Willems of Buhler.

In August 1953 our father and mother moved from Lehigh to McPherson and in 1955 they joined the fellowship of the McPherson Mennonite church, where they were faithful and loyal members.

After several months of suffering with a malignant tumor, he died on Monday, Jan. 15, 1962. He attained the age of 59 years, nine months, and 22 days. Through the days of his final suffering he showed a patience and serenity that revealed a deep faith in God and in His promises.

Our family circle is not broken but bound together by the great soul of our father and husband who shall ever guide us to a higher goal. — The Bereaved Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1962 Mar 20 p. 203