Frank Willms

Frank Willms

October 10, 1929 – July 31, 2020

Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather – Frank went home to the Jesus he loved early in the morning on July 31, 2020.  We rejoice and weep at the same time!

Frank Willms was born October 10, 1929 in Brooks, AB to Aron and Susanna (Janzen).  He was a farm boy who grew up with horses and dogs and loved being outside.  When he was 13 his mother passed away, and not long after, Maria Isaac answered a newspaper ad that Aron posted and became Frank’s stepmother.   There was a decision to move from Alberta to Steinbach MB, and Frank tells a story about stowing away in a boxcar with the family’s possessions and livestock to help his dad on the journey!

Dad lived in Steinbach until he got his driver’s license, and then moved to Winnipeg to work as an electrician’s helper before going to Winkler Bible School for three years.  During the summers he earned enough money to pay for school, and to also help his parents buy a farm with his earnings. 

After Bible School, Frank borrowed his dad’s car and got a license to start his own electrical business.  He met the love of his life, Mary Rempel, and they married in Steinbach, MB on July 6, 1952.

Frank and Mary moved to Saskatoon in 1954 and changed the name of their company to Mid-West Electric.  Frank was a respected and honest businessman who seemed to know everyone in Saskatoon.. we could go anywhere and he would find someone he knew and would stop to visit.  

He was always thinking of ways to learn more and earned his Master Electrician Certificate.  He took a Dale Carnegie course so he could speak in public (we remember him practicing!), he loved researching new places to go.  Whenever we went somewhere new, the maps would come out and we would start to plan.

For many years Dad gave of himself to his Church. His deep love for his God and Savior Jesus Christ was so evident in this part of his life. He was involved with two church building projects (Nutana Mennonite Brethren and Forest Grove Community Church) and gave from his company to provide the electrical installation at both buildings. He was on Board of Management for years and was a constant tither and example to his family. His generosity never ended throughout his life as he donated money to many, many causes.

In 1968, Dad decided to buy a lot at the newly developed Blackstrap Lake.  What vision! We all remember dad working hard at the cottage at Blackstrap, hauling rocks, planting trees, making something beautiful out of bald prairie.  For the rest of his life, it was a place he loved; digging, watering, swimming, gardening and always planning some new improvement. 

Dad loved his children: Richard, Donald, Kenneth, Darlene and Janet.  We all knew we were special, and we all think we are his favourite.   His legacy includes 12 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren (with 1 on the way).  His life was full of family who loved him.

Dad was a faithful, loving and generous husband to Mom for 68 years.  When they took their wedding vows, it truly was for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.    We remember them smooching in the kitchen when he came home from work, he was thoughtful with gifts for her and always remembered their anniversary, often with red roses or jewelry .

He had a hilarious sense of humour, you could hear him laughing across the room at a wedding reception or event and telling some joke or story – you always hoped you’d get to sit with him at whatever table he was!  He loved adventures and was excited about buying property with his family in Arizona at the age of 80.  He loved family, special events, BBQs and big noisy meals together.  He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and prayed for them by name every day with mom. 

Frank lived and loved his life to the fullest.  His presence with us here will ever be missed, but our memories and life lessons from him will remain.  He is more alive now than we can ever imagine.

A private family funeral was held August  4, 2020, interment at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Saskatoon.  A book of condolences will be posted with Dalmeny Funeral Home.  Donations in Frank’s memory can be made to MB Missions (https://muliply.net/give) or to the Gideons International – Canada (https://gideons.ca/  Dedicate a donation). Arrangements entrusted to DALMENY FUNERAL HOME 306-254-2022.