The 1980s

Jabe and Tince Girard on their wedding day, April 13, 1980

Tince Lievsay Willems was widowed for ten years when she married Wilfred "Jabe"Girard.

They were visiting Matt and Tince's daughter  and son-in-law Pat and Bill Grist in Fife, Washington. The visit was planned to witness the marriage of Tince's granddaughter Kathleen Grist on April 12, 1980 and also get married themselves.  So, the next day Jabe and Tince tied the knot.  

Anne Kloke, Frank, Regina, and Dolores Willems, and Henry Kloke at John and Dolores home 
near Mountain Home, Arkansas, about 1980

Circa 1980 Aloys, Anne and Irene Willems 

1980 Aloys Willems

Zola Mae was 87 years old when she died in August 7, 1981.  She was buried at Dug Hill Cemetery.  Though her last Social Security check recorded her as Zola Mae Greenberg, her tombstone reads: Mother, Zola M. Manus and the dates of her birth and death.  During her career as a nurse she worked at the Paris Hospital on the hill as well as the Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Booneville.  see more about Zola Mae

April 1965 Zola Mae and Frank Classen visit with John S, Willems sons Paul, Dan, and Stephen.

Geneva Koch Willems, a 57 year old native of Logan County, died September 30, 1981.  She left her husband Justin and their six children, Abe, Martin, Julia, Theresa, Linda, and Harry, to mourn the loss of their loving wife and mother.  Geneva and Justin had been married 35 years.  Geneva was laid to rest at St. Benedict's Cemetery in Subiaco.

Circa 1984-Willems sisters Catherine Schwartz, Anna Marie Kloke, and Elizabeth Werner

Katherine Lucille Willems Loeffler, died April 25, 1984 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  Born on August 22, 1891, Katherine was the eighth of Phillip and Katherina's children, and was the widow of Ignatius Loeffler.  At 92, Katherine lived longer than any of her eight siblings. Katherine was the mother of seven-Bertha, Isabella, Edmond, Rosella, Edna, Norbert, and Bernadette.   She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Saskatoon.

1988, Aloys, Fred, Greg, and Cecilia Willems

Regina and Representative Frank Willems, circa 1988.  
Frank was a hard working man.  
If not for his efforts the lovely visitor center at
Mount Magazine State Park may have never become a reality.

Representative Frank Willems with then Governor Bill Clinton about 1988.

Regina Willems tends her flowers, circa 1985

Frank Willems, circa 1985

Henry Kloke suffered a massive heart attack while driving a car on September 2, 1988 dying instantly.  Anna Marie, who sat in the back seat, wasn't wearing a seat belt. She  was banged up with various injuries including some broken ribs resulting in her hospitalization. Due to these injuries she was unable to attend her husband's funeral.  They'd been married 22 years.

Circa 1984 "Bud" and Anna Marie Kloke were world travelers.  

Henry intended to take Anna Marie to New Zealand where he'd served 

during WWII. It was the last trip planned that never came to fruition.

 Elizabeth Willems Werner, age 82, died in Fort Smith on March 19, 1989. Elizabeth was survived by her husband , Herman, their sons John, Robert and Eugene, and daughters, Hermena, Mary Agnes, and Betty. She was laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Smith.

March 21, 1989 Elizabeth Willems Werner's brothers gather for her funeral. 
L-R are Frank, Fred, Aloys, John, and Justin Willems

Circa 1989 Justin, Frank, Anna Marie, Ollie, and John Willems

Catherine Philomena Willems Schwartz died on September 26, 1989 at the age of 85. She was the widow of John Schwartz.  Catherine was preceded in death by her sons Bill and James, and was survived by her son, Charles, and daughters, Stella Mae and Barbara. She was laid to rest at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. 

Catherine Schwartz (on left) with siblings
 Aloys Willems, and Anne Kloke earlier in the 1980s.

This photo appeared in the local paper in March 1987 
of Catherine Schwartz with her children Stella, Charles,
 and Barbara celebrating Catherine's 83rd birthday.