William J. WILLEMSSEN

WILLEMSSEN, JOHNSON, MCNEISH, BENNING, BROUWER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/18/2016 at 21:20:40

February 27, 1872 --- August 2, 1951

W. J. Willemssen Dies Suddenly

William J. Willemssen passed away very suddenly on the afternoon of August 2, 1951, at 4:15 o'clock at his home here in Kanawha. Mr. Willemssen was born February 27, 1872 at Wellsburg, Iowa, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Willemssen. In 1895 he was united in marriage with Abbie Johnson who was the mother of his three children, one preceding him in death and the other two, Wiert Willemssen and Mrs. Roy McNeish, now living in Kanawha. In March 1908 his wife passed away and in March 1914 he married Maria Benning of Ackley, Iowa. There were no children from this union and she survives his death.

Mr. Willemssen served as Elder in the Christian Reformed Church for many years. He took a very active part in church work all his life and until his death he was yet a faithful member of Sunday School. He served as custodian of the church for many years. Declining health forced his retirement last fall. For the past several years Mr. Willemssen lived in Kanawha. Prior to this he farmed south of town.

Surviving are his wife, two children Wiert Willemssen and Mrs. Roy McNeish of Kanawha; two full brothers living in Wisconsin and Sam, living in Minnesota, two half brothers, Bert Brouwer of Kanawha and Henry of Ackley. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, one daughter and one grandchild and by three sisters, one brother and one half-sister.

Funeral services were held in the Kanawha Lutheran church on Monday afternoon, the Rev. L. A. Bazuin of the Christian Reformed Church officiating. Burial was made in the Kanawha cemetery. Pall bearers were Edd Luppen, Peter Luppen, Ed Assina, Kurt Digger, Ubbe Smidt and Bert Schreur.

Wright County Monitor -- Clarion, Iowa
August 16, 1951