Calvin R. Willems

Calvin R. Willems, 80, of McPherson, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at The Cedars in McPherson. He was a retired auto body technician and owned and operated Cal's Body Shop. He previously worked for Jack's Body Shop and Reimer Ford Body Shop.

He was born October 14, 1934, in Lehigh, Kansas, the son of Aaron T. and Mathilda (Warkentine) Willems. He lived most of his life in McPherson County and graduated from McPherson High School.

On March 17, 1972, he married Bonnie L. (Graham) VanAmburg in McPherson. She preceded him in death on December 27, 2012.

Calvin served in the United States Army Reserve. He attended Countryside Covenant Church and was a member of Kansas Cushman Club and National Cushman Club of America.

Survivors include: five children, Jana Bitel (Scott), Randy VanAmburg (Julie), Tamyla Sawyers, Becky Henry (Rick), and Darcy Wann (Tom), all of McPherson; a sister, Phyllis Stern (Roy) of Goshen, IN; 14 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two daughters, Kim R. Willems and Kimberly L. Williams, and sister, Erletta Weyand.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, December 16, 2014, at Countryside Covenant Church. Rev. Jon Black will officiate the service.

Memorial donations may be given to Haiti Lifeline in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Calvin R. Willems please visit our Sympathy Store.