Jerrell "Jerry" Willems

After a long illness Jerrell (Jerry) Willems, went to his heavenly home on the morning of Sept 12, 2018, surrounded by his daughters at Iowa River Hospice. Memorial services for Jerry will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Alex Post officiating.  Public visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 14, 2018 at Mitchell Family Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be directed in Jerry’s name to his family.  For further information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234.  Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Jerry and his family.  Jerry was born on June 15, 1942, in Ackley, IA, to Jake and Frances (Reiter) Willems. He grew up on the family farm and was drafted into the US Army after high school. After serving his country he worked in Marshalltown at Fisher Controls for 40 years.In 1966 he married Norma Lichtenberg from Alta, IA, and they lived their 41 years of married life in the Marshalltown area. From this marriage he had two daughters, Dawn and Rachel. He enjoyed going to breakfast with friends, going to the casino, and playing cards, especially in a couple's card club he was a member of for many years with friends from Redeemer Lutheran Church. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church for over 50 years. Jerry is survived by his daughter Dawn (Scott) Arbogast of Tracy, CA and Rachel (Chris) Onsrud of West Des Moines, IA, his grandchildren Ben Onsrud, Sam Onsrud, and Claire Onsrud, his brothers Jim (Eloise) Willems of Ackley, IA, Jay (Arlie) Willems of Mt. Vernon, IA, and his sister Greta Magee of Cedar Falls, IA., as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding Jerry to heaven was his wife, Norma, his parents Jake and Frances, his brothers-in-law Kent Gabrielson, Raleigh Magee, and Lanny Grigsby and his mother and father-in-law Arthur and Maime Lichtenberg.