Jeremiah ""Jerry"" Leo Willems

Jeremiah ""Jerry"" Willems, age 79, of Litchfield died peacefully at his home on Friday, May 22, 2015. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, June 1, 2015 at the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield. Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 PM on Sunday, May 31st with a parish prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors provided by the Litchfield Military Honor Guard. Jeremiah Leo Thomas Willems was born on December 18, 1935, in Minneapolis. At a young age he moved to Litchfield to live with his foster parents Carl and Liz Konietzko. Jerry enlisted in the United States Army in 1954. After having served in the Army he was married to Barbara Housman at St. Philip's Catholic Church. They lived in Buffalo, Mound, Oklahoma City and Litchfield. Jerry later married Elaine Engelbretsen. He worked at various jobs including meat cutting, owning three gas stations, and selling for Zenith Ariel. He enjoyed people and worked in sales for Bankers Advertising for several years before creating his own company, Willems Advertising. Jerry spent his winters living in Bullhead City where he met his special friend, Connie Lowry. Jerry enjoyed visiting with people and was a permanent fixture at Swan's Café, whom rarely used the front door. He is survived by his sons, Carlton ""Butch"" (and LeaAnn) Willems of Maple Lake, Paul (and Pauline) Willems of Litchfield; grandchildren, CJ (and Stacia) Willems, Nicole (and Chris) Hoce; great grandchildren, Boyd Willems, Brynne Willems and Brytt Willems. He is also survived by his special friend Connie Lowry of Bullhead City; honorary sons, Jeff Swanson and Jerry Spencer and a foster sister Marty Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents and mother of his children Barbara. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Previous Events Visitation Sunday, May 31, 2015 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home 316 Sibley Avenue South Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Monday, June 1, 2015 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM St. Philip's Catholic Church 821 east 5th street Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Monday, June 1, 2015 11:45 AM Calvary Cemetery East 5th Street Litchfield, MN 55355