OBITUARY: Ruth D. Willman

Ruth D. Willman, age 86, a resident of Brillion West Haven, formerly of Menchalville, passed away peacefully Friday evening, March 9, 2018, surrounded by family.

Ruth was born in Cato on February 23, 1932, to the late Edward and Olive (Maney) Cohen. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School in Clarks Mills and graduated from Valders High School with the class of 1949. On January 22, 1953, she was united in marriage to Carl “Bud” Willman at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Manitowoc. Together the couple owned & operated Bud Willman’s Hamburgers for nearly fifty years. Ruth also worked in the offices of Mirro Aluminum for a number of years. Bud preceded her in death on May 7, 1988. Affectionately known as “kitty grandma” or “yellow grandma” by her many grandkids, Ruth will be most remembered for dedicating her life to her husband, her twelve children and her grandchildren. She was a devout catholic her entire lifetime; she loved music, art, and flowers (especially geraniums); and was a die-hard, avid Packer Fan.

Survivors include her children: Patti (Joe) Schmatz of Kellnersville, Mike (Lisa) Willman of Manitowoc, Guy (Carey) Willman of Two Rivers, Chuck (Yvonne) Willman of Reedsville, Jan (Ann) Willman of Francis Creek, Peggy (Ken) Dvorachek of Wayside, Holly (Dan) Behm, and Amy Thyes, all of Luxemburg, Virginia “Booty” Willman (friend, Denise Bloy) of Kimberly, James Willman (special friend, Elizabeth Roubik) of Wauwatosa, and Jesse Willman of Oshkosh; her grandchildren: Carrie Schmatz (special friend, Jamie Tisler), Joey (Erica) Schmatz, Collin Willman (fiance, Dana Giannelli), Lauren Willman (fiance, Dustin Presti), Garrett Willman, Ethan Willman, Ashley (Joe) Cummings, Kody Willman (special friend, Joselyn Alvarez), Chantal Willman (special friend, Nathan Dietrich), Alyssa Willman (fiance, Mark Schrimpf), Bryan Willman (special friend, Amarra Zehms), Callie Willman, Tiarra (Neal) Schrubbe, Brandon Christel, Race Dvorachek, Samantha (Tanner) Hackl, Nicole Stock, Ben Behm; Nick, Dani, and Jake Thyes; Charlie and Ruby Willman; and her great-grandchildren: Madeline, Cameron, Norah, Layne, Aubree, and Kinlee, (along with three new ones, On the Way). She is further survived by one sister, Margaret Derse of DePere; and brothers & sisters-in-law: Ann Schleis, Shirley Swokowski, Floyd Scott, Tom (Bette) Willman, Jim Willman (Joann), Mike (Sara) Willman, Dottie Willman; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  In addition to her parents, and her husband, Bud, she was preceded in death by a son, Randy “Freck” (Linda) Willman; two sons-in-law: Bill Christel and Dan Thyes; her mother-in-law, Virginia Willman; two sisters: Jane Scott and Grace (Ken) Holtz; a brother, Jackie Cohen; and in-laws: Bert Derse, Mary Jane Boreham, and Jack Willman.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 522 Tower Ave. in Kellnersville. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Timothy M. Brandt, assisted by Sr. Geraldine Krautkramer, with burial to follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Kellnersville, Friday evening, March 16, 2018 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church Saturday morning from 9:00 until 10:15 a.m.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, 1506 18th St. Two Rivers, is assisting the Willman family with funeral arrangements.