Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

Frank C. Willekens

May 18, 1932 - March 17, 2008

 

South Bend Tribune 3/19/2008
MISHAWAKA - Frank C. Willekens, 75, passed away peacefully in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, at 7:35 a.m. on Monday, March 17, 2008. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Evonne (Dobbelaere) Willekens, and by a son, Louie Willekens. He is survived by his wife, Betty (Govorko), married 54 years; his six children: twins, Lydia and Linda Willekens, both of South Bend, Frank S. Willekens of Coloma, MI, Marie (Greg) Gildner of Mishawaka, Michaela (Ron) Newcomer of Elkhart and Marc Willekens of South Bend. Frank also has nine grandchildren who he will be remembered by: Justin (Lori) Barnett of Plymouth, Wiley Mcabee of Plymouth, Louie Willekens Jr. of South Bend, Brittney (Joe Hannah) Gildner of South Bend, Ashlynn Gildner of Mishawaka, Chelsea and Gage Newcomer of Elkhart, Taylor and Jordan Willekens of South Bend. He also has three great-grandchildren, Haleigh Hanna of South Bend, Marian and Ally of Plymouth. Frank has one sibling, a sister, Nancy Baugher of Mishawaka.

 

Frank graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1950. Frank was a former Wheelabrator employee where he worked for 25 years, and retired from the City of Mishawaka Street Department after nine years. Frank was also a barber, retired after 53 years. He was a member of American Legion Post 161, the Marine Corps League, B.K. Club, and had also served in the Korean War. Frank will be missed dearly by his family.

 

Family and friends may visit today (Wednesday, March 19) from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, in the funeral home, with Rev. Jeffrey Largent officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.