Frank Edson Willems passed away of natural causes on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, after 10+ years as a resident at the Rocky Mountain Healthcare Center in Helena, Montana. He was 92.
Frank was born in the small town of Rothiemay, Montana, a few miles north of Ryegate, on November 29, 1924, to Henry and Irene (Cunnington) Willems. He attended Swimming Woman School for the first eight grades and graduated from Hedgesville High School in 1944.
In June of 1944, Frank enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the South Pacific for approximately twenty months, including the Okinawa Campaign and time in China. He was discharged in August of 1946 and served approximately 2 years in the Marine Corps Reserve. He joined the National Guard in July of 1949 and remained in the Montana National Guard until his retirement as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in November of 1984. Frank served a total of 39 years and 4 months with the Guard.
Frank pursued his dream and joined the Montana Highway Patrol in the summer of 1958 and attended the 12th Montana Highway Patrol Recruit Training School. On September 11, 1958, he was appointed to a Driver Examiner stationed in Bozeman. He was promoted to Sergeant on July 1, 1971 and was assigned to Helena as a Supply Sergeant and a couple years later became a Traffic Sergeant. On December 15, 1980, Frank was promoted to Lieutenant and was assigned to Lewistown as the District Commander, a position he held until March 29, 1985. He retired from the Montana Highway Patrol on July 15, 1985. He often mentioned, “Being a Montana Highway Patrolman was the best job he ever had!” Frank truly loved the Montana Highway Patrol.
In 1946, Frank met his wife-to-be Thelma (Schmeling) on a blind date set up by a mutual friend. It was meant to be and on April 9, 1949 he and Thelma married. That union of marriage has lasted nearly 68 years and blessed them with two sons – Ronald Frank and Gary Duane.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; older brother (Archie); and, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dale and Barbara Schmeling.
He is survived by his wife Thelma; their sons, Ron (Patti) and Gary (Suzanne); two grandsons, Shane (Shae) and Broc; two step-grandchildren; six step-great grandchildren; brother Robert “Bob” (Phyllis) and their children Bobby (Sherrie) and Becky (Dale); a special great niece, Robin; brother-in-law Bob Schmeling and his wife Eleanor; and numerous nieces and nephews on the Schmeling side and relatives on the Cunnington side.
Frank was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing and hunting – a love he passed on to his children. He also loved to help anyone that needed it – whether that be replacing a flat tire, assisting a stranded motorist, or helping friends build a house.
A Memorial Celebration will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue in Helena, on Thursday, January 12, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow the service at the funeral home. Frank’s burial with full military honors will take place at Fort Harrison following the reception.
Special thanks to all the CNA’s and staff at Rocky Mountain Healthcare Center and all other friends and caregivers that took their time to visit with him and his wife during his long stay there.
Viewing will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 12th at the funeral home. A reception will follow the funeral service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison following the reception. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Montana Hope Project.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday January 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday January 12, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday January 12, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Thursday January 12, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday January 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday January 12, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday January 12, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Thursday January 12, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
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Gayla Gilbert says
Was sorry to hear about Frank’s passing. We didn’t get to know him very well, but was so glad our dad could share his room with him at the nursing home for we got to know his loving and caring wife Thelma. Our hearts and love go out to you Thelma and your family. We pray for peace and strength for the days to come.
God Bless,
Love,
Gaylord, Lola, Gloria, Terria , Gayla and our families
Rhonda Robertson says
Dear Thelma and Family:
You have my deepest sympathy. May comfort and peace surround you now that Frank is in the loving arms of our Lord. Keep all your wonderful memories close at heart.
Thelma, so glad my Mom and I had such a nice visit with you a few weeks ago at Penny’s.
Take care and God Bless
Rhonda Strainer Robertson (was married to Skip Score).
Ralph & Mary Snodgrass says
Dear Thelma and Family, So sorry fir your lost Frank and I went to Patrol School together he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family Ralph & Mary Snodgrass
Greg Szudera says
Frank was a great Patrolman! He was my senior and I respected him as a good person Sorry for your s and our loss .RIP
Kevin Bartsch says
On behalf of the Bartsch family, we send our deepest condolences. Frank fought a long, hard battle. What a true gentle and kind man, willing to help anyone who may need it!! Frank was always willing to come assist in any way possible when I was building my house, from simply picking up extra materials to helping set shingles, he was ready and willing. I always enjoyed Frank’s letters to the editor. Our current legislators are lucky he’s not patrolling the parking lot of the Capitol tallying the number of expired license plates and illegal mudflaps present on their vehicles!! He will be missed. May he rest in peace. Kevin Bartsch
Judy Murphy says
Frank and I extend our sympathies to you, Thelma and the family. You both hold a special place in our hearts. Frank enjoyed working with you Thelma and I with Frank. God bless all of you in this hard time.
Judy and Frank Murphy
Diane says
Thelma and family,
I was sorry to learn that Frank passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With deepest sympathy Diane Pedersen
Jeanne Naegele Kohal says
Thelma and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thelma, you are such an inspiration for all of us of what the word “devotion” means and Frank was so lucky to have met such a wonderful partner in life. May God bless you and comfort you through this difficult time.
Jeanne
Sharon Thrailkill Sargeson says
I was saddened to learn of Frank’s passing. He was a wonderful friend I met in the National Guards. He was always so very helpful and fun to converse with every drill. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mark Bruno says
Thelma, Ron and Gary, Sorry to hear about Frank’s passing. I’m sure the last 10 years have been tough on the family. He always spoke in a calm gentle voice. I to remember the ocassional letters to the editor in the IR. Too many of our parents have passed away. May God Bless you all.
Jeannie Matthies says
Dear Thelma and Family~
So sorry for the loss of your dear
husband and dad. This picture
makes me remember Frank-always
with a big grin when he would come
in the bank.
Dayle Perrin says
Thelma,
We’re sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. Our thoughts are with you, knowing you have many wonderful memories and friends to help you through this time.
Your friends from Fox Ridge Golf League – Shari Graham, Francine Janik, Janet Tretheway, Dayle Perrin
Dick Poepping says
Thelma & Family
Sorry to hear of Franks passing. He was a wonderful friend and a Great Person. I was moving over to supply and wanted to work for him and then he bid Lewistown. It was always great to see him when he a came to Helena. I was able to see him a couple of times after retirement. I always wondered about him when I never seen him out and about. Not many of the crew left that was there when I was. I will always treasure the memories of Frank along with his smile and friendly words Thelma, you were so blessed to such gracious husband.
May God be with you Frank
Vanessa & Chuck Tolson says
Thelma & family
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. God Bless you all.
LYNN / Anita Buchanan says
Thelma & Family;
My thoughts and Prayers go out to you. I know and feel the loss of a loved one.
God Bless.
Anita
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
Thelma – We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Frank. He is now in the hands of God, to no longer be in pain. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Matt & Mary Kunnary
Clancy King says
I started as a cadet just months after Frank retired. He came back to help with the patrol cars and was a profound welcoming presence. Over the years, he always remembered me and took interest in my career and family. He set a fine example. I too will remember his broad smile.
Violet Vender Tharp says
Thelma & family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I often wondered where Frank was, as I have not heard from him since 1988. Such a small world, as my children live in Helena. My thoughts are with you.
joe kotan says
Thelma and family
So sad to hear of Franks passing…We had a lot of good times, hunting in the Snowy mts on timber creek and swimming women canyon…Also many guard camps and fishing (but not a lot of catching) on the lakes above Martinsdale…..He will be missed.
Our thoughts are with you and your family
Joe and Phyllis Kotan