Obituary of Lorne Willems

December 7, 1936 - May 3, 2023

86 Years

Lorne Clifford Willems was born December 7, 1936, to Menno and Sarah (nee Fadenrecht) Willems in Hepburn, SK, the third of seven children. Lorne lived in Hepburn and BC together with his family before they settled Northwest of Waldheim, where he spent the majority of his childhood. He enjoyed exploring the hills of the North Saskatchewan River and spent many hours biking, fishing, and swimming. Those early years were difficult, with Lorne working very hard chopping wood, feeding cattle, and trying to help their family survive. As a young teenager, Lorne often worked for local farmers and his first job away from home was at the Robin Hood Flour Mill in Saskatoon at age 17.

In 1960, Lorne married his life partner Margaret Friesen and they began a farming partnership in the dairy industry. Over the years, they transitioned to hogs, beef, and grain, and continued to farm until 2012, when they retired off the farm and moved into the town of Waldheim. Lorne and Margaret enjoyed numerous travel experiences together, including bus trips and cruises, where they made lasting friendships. Special memories were made visiting their kids and grandkids in BC and Alberta.

Lorne was saved at an evangelistic crusade and was baptized in 1952. He was an active member of Salem Church for 71 years, serving in various church leadership roles. Lorne was deeply committed to his faith and had a strong desire to have all his family and friends follow Jesus; it was always the most important thing to him. On the last Sunday of his life, he attended the morning church service at Salem. That afternoon, he suffered a stroke and passed away peacefully three days later on May 3, 2023, after a brief stay at RUH, with his family by his side. Lorne is remembered as a kind, gentle and contented man by all who knew him. 

He leaves behind his wife Margaret; son Brad (Donna) Willems, their son Steven (Amber) Willems and their children Daxton, Makena, and Maisie, daughter Alicia (Travis) Oddy; daughter Gwen (Willy) Reimer their sons; Joshua Reimer, Carter (Sarah) Reimer, their children Peter and Dorothy, and Matthew (Taylor) Reimer and their son Benjamin; son, Greg (Judy) Willems, their son Bryce (Brooklyn), daughters Brynn (Logan) Wiebe, their daughter Quincy, and Brooklyn (Tysen) Smith; siblings, Irvin Willems, Maurine Willems, Leonard (Ev) Willems, Harvey (Fern) Willems, Marjorie Willems, and Bob (Sherry) Willems; in-laws Raymond and Ethel Peters, Irvin and Neoma Dirks, Laverne and Edna Friesen.

He was predeceased by his great-grandson Briggs Willems; sister-in-law Eleanor Willems; parents Menno and Sarah Willems. 

COME AND GO VIEWING

Monday, May 8, 2023

8:00 – 9:00 PM

Funk’s Funeral Home Chapel

Rosthern, SK

GRAVESIDE

VIEWING AND SERVICE

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

 1:00 P.M.

Salem Cemetery

Waldheim District, SK

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

2:30 P.M

Salem Church

509 1st Street South

Waldheim, SK

Livestream Link (click on link) - https://youtube.com/live/qxE4AH7aTug?feature=share

Memorial Donations can be made in Lorne’s name to:

Camp Kadesh

Box 56, Christopher Lake, SK S0J 0N0

Arrangements entrusted to Funk's Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK