Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Ronald E. Willems

FUNERAL HOME

Brust Funeral Home - Lombard

135 South Main Street

Lombard, Illinois

Ronald Willems Obituary

Ronald E. Willems, age 58 of Lombard, beloved husband of Penelope, nee Condon; loving father of Thomas (Rosaline), Brent and Nathan; dear brother of Kenneth (Janet) and Timothy (Lisa); dear son of Dorothy, nee Thoms, and the late Arnold; fond uncle of Jacob, Brendan and Hannah. Funeral service Wednesday, 11 a.m. at Brust Funeral Home, 135 South Main Street, Lombard. Visitation Tuesday, 2 to 8 p.m. Private family committal at Elm Lawn. Memorials to the Wellness House, 131 N. County Line Rd., Hinsdale, IL 60521 appreciated. Info toll-free 888-629-0094.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 4, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Willems

22 Entries

Len and Bobbie Coffee

February 9, 2007

Dear Penny and Family,
Len and I both have good memories of Ron. When I worked at Ace, 22 years ago before the birth of our son, Ron was an encouraging mentor. I will always remember his patience and the vast amount that I learned from him as a young re-buyer. Len considered him a friend as well as a business associate and will not be forgotten. Our sympathies and prayers.

Jim Scott

February 8, 2007

Willems Family,
We are all very sorry to hear about losing such a good business associate. Ron was more like a teacher than a buyer. He helped us in many ways for over 20 years providing new insights into our business practices. Although Ron is gone, we will never forget how helpful he was, he would also let you know when you didn't follow instructions. A very nice person, a good family man and a mentor will be missed.
Our prayers are with the Willems Family.

Jim Smith

February 7, 2007

Willems Family, It is with heartfelt sadness to hear of the passing of such a great person. Ron and I go back many years in the industry and he was very helpful in many ways to me and the factories I represented. Ron is truly an industry leader and will be missed by all. God bless Ron and his family.
Jim Smith, Retired Odessa, Fl.

Elizabeth Izquierdo

February 7, 2007

Dear Penny
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Although I never met Ron, I felt like I knew him somewhat. Sitting accross form you at work, I can accurately say there was not a day that went by that I didnt hear you mention his name. I can tell you are best friends. You are always so proud and happy to speak of your family, I think we all feel like we know them a little.
May God comfort and bless you all during this time.

Michael Mc Donald

February 6, 2007

Willems Family

I am so sorry to hear about Ron. As a family friend dating back to Waterloo days, I can tell you how much I respected Arnold, Dorothy, and the boys. They were ALL the type of friends you respect and cherish. My prayers are with you all thru these difficult times.

Cindy Brasic

February 6, 2007

Penny & Family,

Ron was a great co-worker who always looked out for us, gave valuable insight and advice. One of my fondest memories with Ron was working the buyers booth at the Ace shows. He will defintely be missed.

Arlene Nuzzo

February 6, 2007

Although we spoke only a handful of times over the past few years, Ron's gracious and kind personality were immediately evident and ever present in our conversations. He was so obviously loved and respected by his sons that I could tell he was a truly wonderful man. It was my privilege to have known him even briefly. My thoughts and prayers to Penny, Nate, and the entire Willems family.

Mary Warren

February 6, 2007

Ron was the coolest buyer. I was in awe of his immaculate desk! He just always seemed on top of everything, and to be honest, it made me a little envious. He gave me my Illini baseball cap, which I will treasure always.

Ron joined our work group when he became the Ace brand manager, and I loved having him with us. Truly a gentlemen and someone to be admired!

Talk about lucky to have known someone...that's how I feel about Ron!

Cathy Galloway

February 6, 2007

My condolences to Ron’s family and friends in this time of sorrow. I worked with Ron at Ace as vendor on site. He always made me feel like I was employee of Ace and not a vendor. He was a great, kind and thoughtful person. He will be missed dearly.

Thomas Harney

February 6, 2007

Extending to Mrs. Willems and the entire family our heartfelt condolances. It was our pleasure to have the privilege of working with Ron.

Tom Harney on Behalf of Specialized Technology Resources, Inc. (STR)

Sherry Diana-Debbs

February 5, 2007

Penny and Family,
I am so saddened to hear of Ron's passing. He was a kind man with a wonderful sense of humor, who so obviously adored his family. Please accept my deepest sypathies at this sad time. As trite as it sounds, time does heal. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, try to remember the many good times you all shared as these memories will be a comfort.

Jane Brill

February 5, 2007

I worked for Ace Paint and had the pleasure of working with Ron for almost 13 years. I always felt he was a person I could trust and confide in - full of good advice. He was so proud of his family & as much as he enjoyed working at Ace, seemed to be looking forward to retirement.

I am shocked at this loss. You have my very deepest sympathy.

Jane Brill

Thomas Barnett

February 5, 2007

Ron & Penne
We both left our roots in 1972, left home and ended up as friends in the Chicago area. Our families grew up together, and we enjoyed a friendship that has been unfaultering for 34 years. We miss Ron already, but have a boatload of memories that we will cherish forever.
Tom & Kathy Barnett

Chris Tesmer

February 5, 2007

My condolences and prayers go out to the entire Willems Family. Ron was a Captain in the Hardware/Paint Industry and a true gentleman. I cut my teeth calling on him beginning in the early 90's and he taught me much. I am a better person for having Ron as a friend. God Bless.

Aida Gruber

February 5, 2007

Heartfelt condolences to the Willems family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time

I worked with Ron as his Admin. Asst. in the Paint Sundries Dept.
Ron will truly be missed here at ACE.

Ronald Banks

February 5, 2007

Ron's sudden passing epitomizes the phrase "life is too short". But, it is not the length of the life that is truly important; for the Spirit is eternal. It's the good deeds and special moments that we leave behind that bear the greatest impact. Ron has impacted a lot of lives and will be truly missed. I pray for the continued comfort of his loved ones.

Sharon Woodcock

February 5, 2007

Dear Penny and Family,
I worked with Ron at Ace for many years. He was a true professional.
My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Sharon(Ridges)Woodcock

Joel Bierig

February 5, 2007

Heartfelt condolences to the Willems family. Ron was a true gentleman and a man of exceptional knowledge in his field. For all the hours we spent talking about paint sundries and hardware, more memorable are the moments he spent talking about his family. It also was great to talk sports with him, and it was fascinating to learn he was a football referee. I didn't know him as well as I would have liked, but the Ace Hardware Shows won't be the same without him. Ron, we will miss stopping at the buyer's booth to talk sports with you on set-up day.

Mike Brezina

February 5, 2007

Ron will be missed by many...because he was friends with so many. He made everyone around him better....as he was always willing to listen...offer advice and help. He had a tremendous impact on all our lives over the years. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to those he loved, cared for and talked about so often...his family.

Mike Armagno

February 5, 2007

Ron, a true gentleman in the industry. Always one to offer help on how to improve business. A very respectable man.

Chet Hiner

February 4, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I called on Ron for years and considered him a good friend.

Jim Weppner

February 4, 2007

I enjoyed working with Ron for many years. We had a lot of things in common -- family commitment, love of sports officiating, and more. We will miss him!

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results