July 20, 1938 – January 20, 2026
Donald J. Willems, 87 years old, lifelong resident of Kenosha, WI, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Brookside Care Center, Kenosha, WI.
He was born July 20, 1938, in Kenosha, WI, the son of the late Harold and Stella (Koblenski) Willems. Don proudly served in the U.S. Army, and on July 18, 1966, he married Rae Trecroci in Kenosha, WI.
Don worked for Wisconsin Bell for 30 years, where he served in multiple capacities. After retirement from Wisconsin Bell, he went on to work in maintenance for Bear Property Management for another 20 years.
Don was a perfectionist and a handyman for the ages. He could fix nearly anything and always made sure it was done right. He loved making Italian sausage with his in-laws, gardening, eating popcorn, and drinking wine. Don was a talented woodworker and enjoyed working on cars. He was an avid Packer and Bucks fan and cherished spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years, Rae; children, Barbara (Matthew) Howell, Lisa (Tony) DeBartolo, David (Michelle) Willems, and Debbie (Timothy) Labbe; grandchildren, David, Joseph, Gino, Tony Jr., Samantha, Tyler, Jacob, Hailey, Dr. Joshua, Jacqueline, and Jennifer; and great-grandchildren, Brody, Madison, Rocco, Isabella, Giovanni, and two on the way.
Don’s family would like to give thanks to the staff at Brookside Care Center staff with special thanks and gratitude to Nurse Rae Lynn, RN, and caregivers Adelaida and Burnedette.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 7307 40th Avenue, Kenosha, WI, with Mass of Christian Burial to commence at 11:00 a.m. Entombment with military honors will follow in All Saints Mausoleum, Pleasant Prairie, WI. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Proko Funeral Home, Kenosha, WI.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Donald, please visit our Tree Store.
Events
Visitation
Monday, January 26, 2026
10:00 am – 11:00 am
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
7307 40th Avenue Kenosha, WI 53142
Funeral Mass
Monday, January 26, 2026
11:00 am
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
7307 40th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53142
Officiant: Fr. Roman Stikel
Final Resting Place
All Saints Mausoleum
3300 Springbrook Road PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI 53158
