Robert Willems

ROBERT R. WILLEMS

Independence

Robert R. Willems, 86, of Independence, passed away Monday, Feb. 11, 2019. A private family Mass will be held at St. John's Catholic Church, Independence, with the Rev. David Beckman officiating. Burial with military rites will be held in St. John's Catholic Cemetery. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, is assisting the family.

Survivors include his sons, Jim (Liz) Willems of Dubuque, Dave (Sue) Willems of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., and Tom (Angie) Willems of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Sarah (Ben) Somers, Katie (Darin) Hulslander, Steve Willems, Brian Willems, Mitch Willems and Kaitlynn Willems; great-grandchild, Lydia Somers; sister, Lucille (Mel) Douglas of Hot Springs, Ark.; and brother-in-law, Ron (Dina) Lievens of Olathe, Kan. Also surviving are several nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Patricia, on Oct. 30, 2017.

Robert Raymond Willems was born May 24, 1932, in East Moline, Ill., the son of Remi and Elena (Waterman) Willems. On Nov. 18, 1952, he married Patricia A. Lievens in Atkinson, Ill. Bob was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Army.

Bob farmed in Illinois before moving to Iowa in 1963. After moving to Iowa, he was a salesman for John D. Brush Co. and Dunlap Motors, Independence, before retiring. Bob was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and trustee of St. John's Cemetery for many years. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and snowmobiling during his younger years, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in his name to St. John's Catholic Church, 209 Fifth Ave. NE, Independence, IA 50644.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under "obituaries."