Edward N. "Ed" Willert

Edward "Ed" N. Willert, age 89, a Manitowoc resident, passed away Monday, March 31, 2025 at St. Vincent Hospital, Green Bay.
He was born June 11, 1935 in Two Rivers, son of the late Henry and Hortense (Monka) Willert. Ed attended Washington High School, Two Rivers, graduating with the class of 1953. Following high school, he enlisted in the United State Army, and was honorably discharged after two years of service. On February 17, 1962 he married JoAnn Orth at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Manitowoc. Ed was employed with Manitowoc Engineering, Kohler Co., and retired from Mirro Aluminum. He was a sports fanatic who lived for cheering on the Packers, Brewers, and Marquette Golden Eagles. Ed loved watching basketball, and recently attended part of the March Madness tournament in Milwaukee with some of his family. He was an avid golfer, and enjoyed hunting with his son Dave and grandson Caleb, woodworking, and playing horseshoes. Ed was a ruthless boardgame player, and enjoyed playing cribbage and Skat. Above all, he was a loving person to his family and friends. He had a kind heart and would do anything for anyone.
Ed is survived by his loving wife of 63 years: JoAnn Willert; his daughter: Aimee (Kevin) Curran, Plano, IL; his son: David (Tracy) Willert, Franklin, WI; grandchildren: Timothy (Allie) Drancik, Nicholas Drancik, Colin Curran, Sean (Samantha) Curran, Alyssa (Carter) Kauth, Caleb (Mia) Willert; one brother and two sisters-in-law: Kenneth (Nancy) Willert and Phyllis Willert; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his brother: Frederick Willert; his sister: Mary (Robert) Peterson; and his sister-in-law: Rosemary Orth.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Noon on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 N. 14th Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Matt Colle. Following the service, Ed will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 N. 14th Street, Manitowoc.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the Willert family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.