Submitted by: Dan Rich
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.