Willems, John G. (1926-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 July 22 p. 34

Birth date: 1926 Jan 30

text of obituary:

JOHN G. WILLEMS

John George Willems, the first son of Gerhard H. and Justina (nee Regier) Willems, was born on January 30, 1926 in Waldheim, Saskatchewan. He grew up on a farm in the Brotherfield area near Waldheim. At an early age he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour. In 1941 he was baptized and became a member of the Mennonite Brethren Church at Brotherfield. In 1949 John graduated from the Bethany Bible Institute and in 1951 married Margaret Letkeman of Vancouver. God blessed them with three sons, Reginald, Gary and Mark. They made their home first at Pierceland, serving the mission station there for several years. After a time in Abbotsford, B.C. they returned to the family farm.

John's life was characterized by service. He was always cheerful, helpful and self sacrificing - ready to give of himself and his time for others. In spite of many physical misfortunes, he maintained a very positive outlook on life. He displayed firm trust and commitment to God, and served him faithfully to the end. His last assignment was with the Baptist Camp at Christopher Lake, where he was to serve as maintenance man during the summer. While at the camp, he was called home to be with his Lord on June 13, as a result of an epileptic attack.

He will be missed by his beloved wife, Margaret; three sons, Reg and his wife Ivy and daughter Melody Dawn, presently in Colombia, South America, Gary and Mark at home; his aged mother, (Mrs.) Justina Willems of Saskatoon; three brothers and their wives, Pete and Betty, Dan and Betty, and Rueben and Anne; two sisters, Esther (Mrs. Herman) Berg and Maria (Mrs. Larry) Speiser; and a host of relatives and friends.