Willms, Oktje Janssen 1884 - 1972

WILLMS, LUCNT, JANSSEN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/28/2011 at 18:44:42

Mrs. Oktje Willms departed this life last Tuesday morning, May 2, 1972, at our Akron Hospital, following a short illness. She was 88 years and 2 months of age.

Oktje Janssen Lucnt was born in Munkeboe, Germany, March 2,1884. As an infant she was received by baptism into the Lutheran Church of her native land. On Palm Sunday, 1899, she was confirmed in her home church. It was on June 1, 1907, that she was united in marriage to John T. Willms. The wedding took place in her home town of Munkeboe, Germany. His father, Franz Willms and her brother, Chris Lucht, were the attendants. Two sons, Frank and Edward, were born to them while they lived in Germany. In 1911, this family of four came to America and lived first in Minnesota and Wisconsin. In 1917 they came to make their home in the Akron vicinity. She resided in this community for about 55 years being on the Willms farm for about 34 years. In 1947 they became members of Union Creek Lutheran Church and she had been an active loyal member ever since. She took her religion seriously and received much in spiritual guidance, strength and inspiration from her faith in God. Particular spiritual help came to her through communing at the Lord's Table.

In June, 1957, the Willms celebrated the Golden Anniversary of their marriage by appropriate festivities here at Union Creek Church. Mrs. Willms had an unusually clear mind up to the last moments of her life and thought much of her family, no matter where each member of it might be. In 1960 she moved into Akron to live with her daughter, Otilda and family. In 1969 she became a resident of our Akron Nursing Home and continued there as long as she lived. She was preceded in death by her son Frank in December, 1957 and by her husband, John, in December, 1958.

Among those who survive her departure are: two sons, Edward and Henry, both of Akron; two daughters, Mrs. Jana Hebert of Sioux City and Mrs. Otilda Heyl of Akron; 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren, besides many other relatives and friends.

The funeral service in her memory was held at Union Creek Lutheran Church Friday afternoon, May 5, with Pastor David J. Roy, officiating. Mrs.- Henry Fickbohm was organist and accompanied the congregation and Pastor Roy in singing "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "Have Thine Own Way, Lord."

Ed Beeck, Robert Milner, Bryant Willms, John Willms, Randy Willms and Rodney Willms were pallbearers. Interment was in the Union Creek Church cemetery.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, may 11, 1972
Akron, Iowa