Obituaries

86, of Crivitz, Wisconsin passed away peacefully August 18th, 2023. He was born in Brussels, Wisconsin on November 2,1936 to the late Homer and Emma (Meunier) Willems. He was raised in Door County (Sturgeon Bay) which always held a special place in his heart. He was united in marriage to Jane Pallasch on June 30, 1962 at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Fox Point, Wisconsin. He graduated from Marquette University with a Civil Engineering degree and served in the United States Army.

Matt was an engineer and a foodie. His career was defined in the construction business where he designed and sold scaffolding systems for large construction projects throughout the United States with a particular emphasis in Wisconsin. He took great pride in his work and loved to discuss his various projects over the years – one of his favorites was the remodeling of the Wisconsin State Capitol. As part of his job, he particularly enjoyed traveling the state which allowed him to become familiar with MANY of the great restaurants in Wisconsin and throughout the United States. When Matt retired, he and Jane decided to move from Antioch, Illinois to Crivitz full time where he embraced the lifestyle and people of Crivitz and Lake Noquebay. He took great pride in his home, especially enjoying a well-manicured lawn, and any DIY projects particularly if they included woodworking! If he wasn’t doing the project himself, he was more than willing to help or supervise whoever was! We would be remiss if we didn’t include his love for a game of cards, round of golf, and having a dog by his side whether it was his own dog or a ‘grand-dog’. Matt loved his family deeply and had an incredible amount of pride in his grandchildren. He will be missed by all.

Matt is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jane Willems; son, Chris (Nancy) Willems (Scottsdale, Arizona and Crivitz, Wisconsin) and three grandchildren: Trevor Willems (Chicago, Illinois), Jack Willems (Scottsdale, Arizona) and Ryan Willems (Tempe, Arizona).

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11am on Saturday September 2, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Crivitz with Father David Schmidt presiding. Family and friends may call at church from 10am until the time of Mass. Burial will take place in St. Mary Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Roubal Funeral Home of Wausaukee is assisting Matt’s family with arrangements.