Paul Willems

Paul J. Willems, age 57 of Litchfield, MN, died at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN on Tuesday, August 23, 2016. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield. Visitation will be held 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. Paul John Willems, the son of Jeremiah Willems and Barbara (Housman) Willems Chemelik, was born on February 7, 1959 in Buffalo, MN. He graduated from Litchfield High School in 1978 and continued his education at Willmar Vo-Tech in sales and marketing. Paul enlisted in the US Navy in 1984 stationed in Norfolk, VA and when deployed was on the USS Savannah. After his discharge from the Navy, he was in the reserves for six years, serving in Operation Desert Storm as a RP2. Paul was united in marriage to Pauline Johnson on September 30, 1995 at the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield. He married into a large family, inheriting four daughters and grandchildren who called him Papa Paul. After purchasing his father's vending business, he became self employed, growing the business to create a route that kept him on the road throughout Minnesota. He was a member of the Church of St. Philip and the American Legion. He was meticulous with his home, cars and business. He had many organized collections that he acquired over the years including minted coins. He enjoyed golfing, collecting coins and will be remembered for his strong independent personality. He is survived by his wife Pauline of Litchfield, MN; stepdaughters Shannon (Kurt) Desmarais of Mound, MN, Tracey (Eric) Webster of Oconomowoc, WI, Lisa (Travis) Hilbish of Winnemucca, NV and Stephanie (Jasen) Bruggeman of East Bethel, MN; 8 beautiful granddaughters; 3 handsome grandsons; and one grandson on the way; brother Carlton ""Butch"" (LeaAnn) Willems of Maple Lake, MN; niece and nephew C.J. and Nicole; and will be missed by Belle, the love of ""her"" life and his companion for 11 years. He was preceded in death by his parents Jeremiah and Barbara. Peace be to his memory Previous Events Visitation Tuesday, August 30, 2016 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Church of St. Philip 821 East 5th street Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Tuesday, August 30, 2016 10:30 AM Church of St. Philip 821 East 5th street Litchfield, MN 55355