The 1990s

Circa 1990 Regina and Frank Willemsat the Paris Frontier Days celebration

Justin Willems, age 70, a lifelong resident of Logan County, died on January 5, 1992, finally beaten by the colon cancer that had also claimed the life of his dear wife, Geneva.
A very devout Catholic, Justin, was very active in his church of St. Benedict's at nearby Subiaco.  He was buried there in the church cemetery alongside Geneva.

Wilfred "Jabe" Girard, second husband of Estelle "Tince" Willems (widow of Matt) died February 20, 1992 Fort Smith.  He was buried in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Paris.

Martha "Irene" Willems with her daughters Phyllis,
Frannie, and Ruth circa 1970

Martha "Irene" McKinney Willems died February 8, 1993 in Milwaukee at the age of 83. Irene, a native of Logan County, Arkansas was a loving mother.  She was survived by four of her five children: Phyllis, Phillip, Mary Frances, and Ruth.  She was preceded in death by her husband Phillip, and son James Robert.  A lovely woman who enjoyed keeping busy, Irene continued to embroider even after she'd lost her sight later in life.
She was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

June 19, 1993 John and Dolores toast at their 40th anniversary party

John and Dolores'40th wedding anniversary
party, June 19, 1993

11-26-1994 Frank and Regina greet well wishers as they
leave St. Benedict's church and the celebratory Mass
for their 50th wedding anniversary

Regina and Frank Willems

Sisters-in law Dolores Willems and Anna Marie Kloke

1994, Linus and Barbara Grathwohl, Anne and Ollie Willems
enjoy the reception and dance.

Herman Werner died November 17, 1996 at the age of 95 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was survived by five of his six children: Hermena, Mary Agnes, Bob, Betty, and Eugene.  His wife Elizabeth died in 1989 and his son John Leonard in 1995.

Evan Sterling Manus, 82, eldest child of Adron and Zola Mae Manus died on Thursday, April 3, 1997.  He was the owner of a refrigeration and air conditioning business. Services were held at 3 p.m. Monday, at Calvary Cemetery Chapel in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Fred and his sister Anna Marie in 1993
at John and Dolores 40th anniversary party

Fred "Fritz" Willems died May 12, 1997 in El Paso, Texas.  He and Cecilia had been married 62 years.  Fred was a very devout Catholic giving much of his life to the Church.  He left Cecilia, and sons Greg and Larry to mourn their loss.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Roselyn in 1944, and his sons Fred Lester in 1979, Edwin in 1984, and Gary in 1991.

Linus Grathwohl suffered with Lou Gehrig's disease.  He died May 24, 1998 at the age of 70.  Linus was laid to rest alongside his first wife, Margaret.

1998 Willems siblings Frank, Anna Marie, and John (front) Ollie (standing behind John) and some of their children, nieces, and nephews