Regina J. Willems

Regina J. Willems, 102, lifelong De Pere resident, passed away on Monday, April 16, 2012. The daughter of the late Henry and Cora (Cornelissen) Willems was born January 14, 1910 in De Pere. Regina was a cook at St. Norbert College and later at the Union Hotel. She volunteered at St. Vincent Hospital for 50 years and also at St. Mary Catholic Church in De Pere. Regina traveled to the New York World Fair with her sister Helen, out west to Mt. Rushmore, saw eight countries in Europe and visited the Holy Land in 1974. Her favorite hobby was playing cards. She was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church where she had a close friendship with Father John H. Harper. Regina was able to stay in her home until age 96 with the help of her caring neighbors; Norbert and Clare Petasek, Jim and Rose Ryczkowski, special friends, Judy Kralovec, Sr. Charlene and Margaret Hockers, Alan and Rita Devroy. Special cousin, Jeanne Guerin as well as many other cousins and friends survive Regina. She was preceded in death by: her parents, a brother, Chris Willems in 1972 and a sister, Helen Whitbeck in 1983. Friends may call at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S. Michigan St., De Pere on Friday, April 20, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church with Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. Interment in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A Memorial fund for Heartland Hospice has been established in Regina’s Memory. Cotter Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com