Lorence Wesley "Ham" Willis' Obituary
Mr. Lorence Wesley “Ham” Willis, age 97, passed away Monday, June 20, 2011 at his home. He was born June 27, 1913 in Holton, MI to Ambrose and Elisabeth (Schmidt) Willis and lived in the Muskegon area since 1940. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during WWII. On May 21, 1942, he married the former Leola A. Beauchamp and she preceded him in death in 1986. He worked 42 years as a machinist for S.D. Warren Papermill Co. and retired in 1978. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. SURVIVORS include 5 grandchildren, Larry (Ann) Willis of Muskegon, Jeff (Charlene) Willis of Muskegon, Jason (Karen) Willis of Grand Ledge, Chris Willis of Savannah, GA, Ben (Dawn) Willis of Muskegon; 5 great-grandchildren, Erin, Kaley, Knox, Reba, Elizabeth; 1 sister, Louisa Orcutt of Holton; 2 step-children, Lola Mae (Virgil) Sommerville of Muskegon and Don (Sally) LaFave of Muskegon. He was also preceded in death by his son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Pam Willis; 2 step-children, Aubrey LaFave, Marge Umlor; his parents, Ambrose and Elisabeth Willis; 3 brothers, Harry Steinert, George Willis, Neal Willis; and 2 sisters, Johanna Hall and Esther Stager. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, June 25, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Thomas J. Brown as celebrant. INTERMENT will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery with Military Honors offered by the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. VISITATION will be held 2-4 and 6-8 PM Friday at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey Street (231) 798-1100. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the Mass, 10-11 AM Saturday in the Victor Miller Room at Sacred Heart. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church Memorial Fund. Sign the guest book on-line at www.sytsemafh.com
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