Due to COVID 19, we ask that everyone adheres to local and state requirements for social distancing. We can have 50 people in the building for visitation at one time, and a maximum of 150 people for a funeral service at the church. The service will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/stevensonandsons/.
On the evening of May 17, 2020 Gerald Verhelst Willems passed away with his beloved wife Dorothy at his side.
Gerald was born in the Hysham, MT hospital on July 6, 1939 to parents Willem Willems and Mary Verhelst Willems. In his family, Gerald and younger sister Marie, were referred to as “the little kids” as there were 5 years separating the group of older siblings. Gerald grew up on the family homestead in Hysham, MT where irrigated sugar beets were farmed. Farm life was filled with hard work of milking cows, feeding livestock, harvesting the garden and hauling coal & wood for the stove. Catholic faith was weekly mass, holy days of obligation and Lenten practices at St Joseph’s Catholic church in Hysham where Gerald was an altar boy until his height towered over the priest. Fun times were had with swimming in the stock tank, biking, ice skating, Monopoly and playing cards of Canasta and Rummy. Highlights were celebrating holidays, the fair in Forsyth and eating his mother’s fried chicken, potatoes & gravy and his beloved “pie”. And Mom’s macaroni and cheese on Lenten Fridays.
Gerald attended elementary, junior and high school at Hysham, MT. He excelled in math and was often the manager for school sports teams. Gerald was not a farmer and knew this from an early age. Older brothers often said “Gerald go get” to find tool needed for farming duties. Gerald graduated from Hysham High School in 1957. Gerald then attended college at Eastern Montana College where he received three degrees – two year teaching degree, four year bachelors degree and a masters degree. His first teaching job was in Winifred, MT and pay was $330 a month. Gerald then taught in Lewistown, MT and then Miles City, MT where he was a 4th grade teacher for many years. Then transitioned to a remedial reading specialist. Gerald was a teacher in Montana for forty years! He retired from teaching in 1999.
Gerald and his first wife, Sharon Neurohr, were both teachers in Miles City. They were married on December 27, 1968. Together they lovingly raised 6 children. Catholic faith, hard work, bedtime stories read to children, bike rides, family holiday celebrations – especially Christmas, birthdays, trips to Dodge, ND to visit Sharon’s parents, the fair and Friday night Custer County football games were essential to the home life of the Willems family. As the kids grew older, delivery of the Miles City Star, 4-H, The Bucking Horse Sale and sporting events of the children were added. Gerald would often come home after a long day of teaching then deliver newspaper routes for his children who had sport practice.
Gerald loved to garden and spent countless hours spading the garden – often by hand; purchasing seeds from seed catalogs, planting seeds, transplanting plants, making sure rows were planted straight, watering, weeding and harvesting. At harvest time, Gerald and his children often engaged in seemingly endless “pea shelling, corn shucking, bean snapping parties”. Along with canning endless quarts of tomatoes for one of his favorite dishes, macaroni & tomatoes. Gerald also picked chokecherries, apples, plums and cherries which were made into syrups and jellies for “Grandpa’s Pancakes”.
Gerald and Sharon were selfless parents with many values passed down to their children, including Dad’s famous saying “It all works out in the end”. Gerald was a kind, patient and loving care giver to Sharon when she was diagnosed with brain cancer in 1989. Sharon passed away on February 21, 1990.
Gerald then married Dorothy Kessler on August 16, 1997. Her son Justin was then added to the Willems family. Gerald and Dorothy enjoyed travel, playing pinochle with family, friends and at the Custer County Senior Citizens Center. Most impressive was the trip to Israel to be in places where his faith was greatly enhanced. Highlights were often had at family gatherings with children, grandchildren and other family members at the condo at Fairmont. Gerald and Dorothy often gardened together and found quiet contentment in watching Jeopardy nightly and an older movie on TV. They enjoyed each other’s company and had a deep loving friendship of committed companionship. The continued traditions of playing games, cards, reading bedtime stories were passed down to their grandchildren. Gerald cherished big family dinners, especially “Miles City Christmas” where the kitchen table was overflowing with family. Watching the Denver Bronco football games on TV on Sundays was a necessity. The trips to Denver to see them play in person was the highlight of the year.
Grandpa taught grandson Daniel how to play pinochle and hunt for clam shells down by the river. Grandpa spent many evenings reading books to Christian. Areyonna & Grandpa enjoyed many afternoons in the park, swinging and going down the slide. Grandpa nicknamed Hannah his pancake girl. Madison enjoyed playing in the leaf pile that Grandpa would rake up for her. Hannah & Madison swore Grandpa’s pancakes were better than their Dad’s even though it was the same recipe. Great-Grandpa passed on his love of reading by gifting Evan a book that taught Great-Grandpa how to read when he was a child. All the grandchildren enjoyed Grandpa’s special pancakes grilled on his three-legged griddle propped up by an ashtray from his former life.
Gerald’s retirement years included being a board member, volunteer and bargain shopper of favored button-down shirts at St. Vincent de Paul. He was a board member and volunteer at the Miles City Food Bank. Gerald was a 55 year member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He attended daily mass, was a sacristan and coordinator.
Gerald was preceded in death by his first wife Sharon Willems, his brothers Charlie Willems, Martin Willems, William “Bill” Willems, his sister Rosa “Lee” Dudley, his parents Willem Willems and Mary Vehelst Willems. Gerald is survived by his wife Dorothy, his children Paul Willems, Steph Hecker (Joel), Mary Beth O’Loughlin (Brian), Michael Willems, Joshua Willems (Janell), Rebecca Willems and stepson Justin Kessler. Gerald is survived by grandchildren Daniel & Christian O’Loughlin, Areyonna Willems, Madison & Hannah Willems. And one great-grandson Evan O’Loughlin.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2020 from 2:00-5:00 pm at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City followed by a rosary at 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials in Gerald’s name may be made to St Vincent de Paul, Custer County Senior Citizen Center or the Miles City Food Bank.
A special thanks, appreciation and loving gratitude from Gerald’s children to Dad’s special angel – Dorothy for her loving devoted care for our Dad during his illness which she truly felt was a privilege and honor to provide.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Friday May 22, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
5:00 PM
Friday May 22, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
11:00 AM
Saturday May 23, 2020
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 North Montana
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
After Funeral Mass
Saturday May 23, 2020
Calvary Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Friday May 22, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
5:00 PM
Friday May 22, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
11:00 AM
Saturday May 23, 2020
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 North Montana
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
After Funeral Mass
Saturday May 23, 2020
Calvary Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Jim & Sheryle Schmeling says
Sheryle and I want to extend our condolences to Dorothy and Gerald’s family for your loss. We will never forget the wonderful garden they had at their home.
May God be with you during your time of grief.
Jim & Sheryle Schmeling
Holmen, WI
Jonette Doeden says
I was blessed to start my teaching career with Gerald. He is truly one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. What a privilege and pleasure to know him. I cherish the recipes he shared with me. What a blessing he was to sooooo many kids and adults alike. Our community has lost a good man.
Carol Schneidt says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Gerald’s family. He was such a kind man and will be greatly missed!
Sandi Kohones says
I am so saddened to learn of Gerald’s passing. He was such a wonderfully caring and kind person. I always looked forward to seeing him at St. Vincent’s. Your loss is shared by many.
Gregg and Vicki Glueckert says
I am so sad at the passing of Uncle Gerald. I have great memories of playing pinochle with him, my mom and Gregg on Sunday afternoons. He was quick witted with that quiet voice! Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. I know my mom was waiting for him with a deck of cards in hand!
Tanna Peterson Aye says
My heart goes out to all of Geralds family. He was such a kind and thoughtful man. His family and religion where foremost in his life. May you find comfort in his memory. All my sympathy…
Denise R Harvey says
My thoughts are with you all. What a wonderful person and educator! His impact on our community will always be remembered.
Terry Koch says
Gerald was one of the most thoughtful and kind hearted people I have ever known. I was very lucky to learn about teaching from him. We always had an inside joke between us “teachers are the smartest people”. You would receive a bright smile and hello when you stop by for a visit. And leave with a variety of vegetables from the huge garden. What a treat! Gerald your presence will be greatly missed. Rosa will be waiting for you – to start that card game.
Loretta Willems says
Gerald is the last of my father’s male siblings. There is something in that which makes my heart hurt even more.
Gerald had a way of making those around him feel special and excepted. He always seemed to know how to put you at ease. May have been the teacher in him.
Mary Jo Engebretson says
I am sad with the loss of my uncle Gerald. He was so kind and caring. His faith meant every to him. I’ll always remember Sunday’s we’re the day Gerald, Dorothy, Mother and Brandon had their day of pinochle. He was a very kind soul.
Maureen Larson says
Dear Dorothy and Gerald’s family,
My heart goes out to all of you. I didn’t know Gerald well, but he always had a kind nature, welcoming smile and just made you feel good when you met him. God’s blessings to you all during this difficult time.
Shelley Killen says
Dorothy and Gerald’s family please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Deb Schmeling says
Dorthy and Family,
So sorry to hear this. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you with peace, comfort, love, and mercy. You will miss him dearly. He was very kind and was always smiling.
Hugs,
Deb Schmeling
Bobbi Durst Askin says
One of my favorite teachers. Rest easy Mr. Willems, you were a kind and gentle man.
GM says
Gerald was a sweet soul. May he rest in peace with the Lord.
Curtis Fillafer says
Faith, Wayne, Sarah. and Greg. Im so sorry for the loss of your uncle and father. This is such a sad moment. Gerald has many pleasant memories with me in Lincoln School where he was my teacher and also basketball coach. Mr. Willems rest in peace you will always be in my memories forever.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Barb Seibert says
Such a kind man. He will be missed.
Diane Welbes says
Sorry to hear about your loss. May it comfort you to know that I care.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Dorothy and family, our deepest sympathy at your loss. Gerald was a wonderful person,he helped us through a lot of turmoil. We had many fun times with both of you. Gerald was such a caring person and he will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers
ab says
Gerald: the best of the best. The Sloan family was blessed to have known Gerald.
He will be missed and long remembered for the thoughtfulness he expressed to all.
Annette Sloan Bossert
Leona and Larry says
Am so sorry about your loss. Gerald was a wonderful man. Our prayers with you.
sharon cope says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sharon
Randy and Vicki Fix says
Our thought and prayers are with you all. May God grant you peace and comfort. Love you all. Randy and Vicki and family.
Tammy Pecha says
So sorry for your loss,such a wonderful man.
Faith Everling says
My Uncle was such a wonderful man. I was so blessed to grow up in their house. They taught me so many things and I will always be grateful to them. Gerald was such a wonderful man.
Margaret Brown says
I had the pleasure of teaching with Gerald in the same room for several years. He was a great mentor and exceptional teacher. He was gentle with the students and they worked hard for him. He was so proud of his own children and shared many wonderful stories about them. He was faithful and I will miss his smiling face in church. May God give you strength and courage during this time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Debra Brott says
Gerald was so kind and caring I’m sure Faith and I were the cause of a few of those grey hairs while we were growing up. Memories of him in his garden and growing such beautiful flowers will be what I will hold on to. RIP
Christie Paselk says
My dear aunt Dorothy,
What a joy it was to know Gerald. His kindness, love and gentleness were all gifts from God and he was always willing to share those gifts with everyone he came in touch with. I pray that God will surround you with His peace and love as you mourn your loss. Sending you love and hugs from Colorado.
Jan Nesbit says
Dear Dorothy and all of Gerald’s family,
I am so very sorry to learn of the loss of your loved one! I had the pleasure of teaching with Gerald for many years at Garfield School. He was truly a gentleman, one of the best! His quiet easy going, always smiling, gentle manner made him a pleasure to know and work with. He left all who knew him blessed in his own way! He was a wonderful teacher, a loving husband and father and will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Hazel J Stabler says
Dorothy, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you!
John & Raelee Hollowell says
So very sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Hugs & Love to you all!
Deb jerrel says
What a nice man he was. I always enjoyed visiting with him when I shopped at Saint Vinnies💜
Kim Stanton says
Dear Dorothy and Family,
The world has lost a very special man who handled life and tackled its adversities with such grace and perseverance. He was a role model for everyone and each of us learned a valuable lesson from Gerald through the way he lived his life. We all have a memory of Gerald to treasure. Thank you for sharing him with us, Dorothy and his family. So many prayers of comfort and condolences coming your way!
With deepest sorrow and sympathy,
Kim Stanton
Jean Pierson says
Dorothy, so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers.
Pattie Willems Myers says
So sorry for your loss of Gerald. It certainly sounds like he was an amazing man. and I hope he is playing pinochle with my daddy- his cousin- up in heaven.
Sue ODaniel says
What a wonderful tribute written for such an amazing man! Our sympathy to you all as anyone who knew or met Gerald was blessed. Dorothy you really were an angel for Him and the whole family. What a life you built together as it as an example to all of us what a true marriage is like! Praying for Gods love at this sad time and may your memories help ease the pain. Love. Sue and Jerry ODaniel
Jan Munroe says
Dear Dorothy and family, I am blessed to have shared a profession with Gerald. I never taught in the same building but had the utmost respect for him. I did work with him when I had Becky in class and later at St. Vincent’s. What a gentle, kind man.
Janice Stepp says
Fond memories of time spent at the Willems house. Much love and prayers for you all. Rest in piece uncle Gerald.
Sue Jens says
Sorry to hear of your loss Dororhy, Becky, & Family
Gerald was an awesome teacher, he had such a kind, gentle way about him that anyone could spot right off. I knew him from subbing at Garfield & Lincoln, but also from his kids & having the pleasure of coaching Becky many years ago.
Kyla Fahrenbruck says
Dorothy, Kids and Grandkids:
My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time. Gerald was such an amazing, loving man and I surely have so many wonderful memories with him as well. Sending all my love and prayers.
Love,
Kyla
Darbie Karch And Family says
Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Heaven gained a kind soul. He was well liked and will be missed. My condolences.
Samuel Kiburz says
He was a good man, and enjoyed knowing him when I was growing up. Sorry for your loss.
Don Cook says
Mosquitoes this word stumped are whole class and he taught us how to phonetically spell words ,what a kind and gentle man .
We were one of his first classes in miles city he actually was scary at first ,a man teacher,in 4 th grade we had all women teachers until then, his turned out be one of the best.
God bless you Mr. Willems…..
Mildred Battin says
So sorry to hear about Gerald. He was a good man I always talked to him at st Vincent’s He liked talking about his children So sorry for your. Loss
Sherm & Mary Weimer says
Several others have commented about what a fine example of a father and a man Gerald was. This is certainly true. He lived his faith, which was evident in his interactions with everyone in came in contact with. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Mary Lou Anderson says
Dear Dorthy and family,
So very sorry for your lost. I will always remember Gerald’s kindness and his caring concern for everyone. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Sherri Gatlin says
Such a beautiful tribute! I knew him as Mr. Willems and will always remember him as one of my favorite teachers ever! So nice to read that he was an amazing person all the way around. Heaven has gained a good man. God bless you all. 💖
Delores Cameron says
My best memories of Gerald was serving on the St. Vincent de Paul for about 20 years. He was always a strong advocate for the children. We missed him deeply when failing health made it impossible for him to serve on the board. He also volunteered there for many years.
He & Chris would share gardening hints & produce, a common bond.
May he now rest in peace.
Jolene Barth says
Gerald was such a kind and giving soul. Spending time with the Willems family will always be treasured. Lifting all of you up in prayer.
Mike and Becky Lowe says
We are very sorry for your loss, and our deepest sympathies go out to the family.
Margaret Tryon says
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Gerald. He was my neighbor for about 15 years. He was also a colleague who shared many stories and ideas. What a fabulous human being. He and Dorothy were friends as well as great neighbors. My prayers and wishes for peace for all the family. May God Bless, he now has another angel to watch over everyone.
Don Rooney says
GERALD was ny teacher in grade School at Garfield School for 2 years.R I.P. WILLIAMS.
Dorothy Willems says
Thank You everyone for your thought and memories. It has been so very much to myself and my family. I love you all. Dorothy Willems