Martin John Willems

Mr. Martin John Willems died peacefully surrounded by family in Sparks Hospital on Jan. 3rd, 2015 in Ft. Smith, Ark. at the age of 66. Martin is survived by his wife, Janie of 43 years, of Van Buren, Ark.; daughter, Jennifer and Jason Miller of Rogers, Ark.; son, Jason and Karen Willems of Fayetteville, Ark.; sisters, Julia Delaney and husband Tim, of Bayside, Texas, Theresa Willems-Kahn and husband Arlo, of Little Rock, Ark., Linda Moore and husband Paul, of Mountain View, AR, and brother, Harry Willems and wife, Janice of Little Rock, Ark.; grandchildren, Emma, Wynne, and Rowan Miller, and Cole, Marleigh, and Mason Willems, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Justin John and Geneva Marie Willems and brother Abe Willems of Subiaco, Ark. Martin was born on Dec. 19th, 1948 in Subiaco, Ark. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School in Paris, Ark., and graduated Subiaco Academy in Subiaco, Ark. He then graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1972 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He married Janie Rose Baltz in 1971. After moving to Fordyce, Ark., Martin began working for Phelps Dodge and was there for nine years; while there, he designed and produced three or more machines that were used in the production process. Martin and his family then moved to Van Buren, AR, and he worked at Beckart for three years. Then retired from Whirlpool, Ft. Smith, after 22 years, as a Senior Engineer, designing assembly lines for Refrigerator Production. Martin enjoyed canoeing, camping, and motorcycle riding with his family and friends. He also enjoyed wood working with his daughter and rebuilding old cars with his son. He was active in St. Michael's Parish with Knights of Columbus, Youth Group, and was always willing to help. A Rosary and Visitation is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Jan. 4th at Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren, Ark. A funeral is scheduled for 10am on Jan. 5th at St. Michael's in Van Buren, Ark. The burial will take place at St. Benedict's Cemetery, in Subiaco, Ark. on Hwy. 22 at 2:30 p.m. Fr. Clayton Gould and Deacon Tom Jakobs will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Martin's life. Memorials in Martin's name may be made to Subiaco Monastery, St. Michael's Catholic Church, St. Joseph's Grade School, and/or St. Scholastica Monastery. Pallbearers will be Craig Wahlmier, Dennis Spahn, Jeff Wilke, Jessie Spence, Blake Willems, and Travis Willems. Honorary pallbearers will be friends from the Buffalo Buzzards' Canoe Club. Online tributes may be made at www.ockerfuneralhome.com.