Leonard Floyd Willems, age 100, passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Hospice House surrounded by his loving family.
He was born December 12, 1922, in Kenosha, the son of the late William and Mary (Mischo) Willems.
A lifetime resident of Kenosha, he received his education at St. George Catholic School and local public schools.
He married Bronhilda Myrtle Kennedy on November 15, 1952 at St. George Rectory. She passed away on August 25, 2012, about 2-1/2 months before their 60th anniversary.
Leonard retired from the City of Kenosha (Garbage and Street Departments) on January 4, 1985, and before that he worked at the Simmons Co.
He was a lifelong member of St. George now St. Elizabeth Catholic Church
Leonard served in WWII as a Private 1st Class in the Army 10th Infantry from March 25, 1943 to October 10, 1945. His one last wish was granted on April 22, 2023 when he ventured to Washington DC with his grandson, Scott, on the 67th Stars and Stripes Honor Flight.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, dancing, fishing, bicycle riding, listening to music and downloading music to the computer, playing games on the computer, and playing cards at the Senior Citizens Center.
Leonard is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Joan M. (Willems) and Michael E. Hilliard of Kenosha, WI; and his grandson, Scott M. Hilliard of Mequon, WI.
In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded in death his wife, Bronhilda M. (Kennedy) Willems; four brothers, Gerhard (Red) Willems, Wendelin (Van) Willems, David Willems and Walter Willems; four sisters, Cecelia Willems, Isabel Wendt, Genevieve Johnson and Virginia Gillis; his half-brother, William Willems and his half-sisters, Gertrude Schwaiger and Margaret Frederick.
Service Date May 9, 2023
Funeral services honoring Leonard’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 2224 30th Ave, Kenosha.
Entombment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Mausoleum.
A visitation for Leonard will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Piasecki Funeral Home.