Tom Willaert

NORTHVIEW-North Mankato Mortuary
2060 Commerce Drive
North Mankato, MN 56003
507-388-2288

Thomas "Tom" Willaert, age 76 of Mankato, died Sunday, February 19, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m.,Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Fr. Peter Nosbush officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Calvary Cemetery, Mankato. Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at NORTHVIEW-North Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Thomas Richard was born May 11, 1935 to Allie and Lydia (Braam) Willaert in Belgrade Township, Nicollet County. He served for the United States Army from 1954 until honorably discharged in 1957. On August 10, 1962, Tom was united in marriage to Roxie Dyane Mason. They were blessed with five children. For 14 years, Tom was a truck driver for Lundin Construction before starting his own business. He owned and operated Willaert Tree Service and Stump Removal for over 30 years, before retiring just four years ago. Tom loved hunting, fishing, gambling, and traveling. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tom's fun loving nature will be missed by all who knew him.

Tom is survived by his wife, Roxie; children: Richard "Butch" (special friend, Tami Styndl) Willaert of Lake Washington, Shelly (Phil) Adams of Madelia, Patsy (Chris Cyphers) Wreath of Winnebago, and Dawn (Paul) Peterson of North Mankato; 11 grandchildren: Ryan, Michelle, Chad, Kevin, Kelsey, Heather, Chelsey, Brandon, Brooke, Seth, and Dylan; five great-grandchildren: Morgan, Dustin, Gavin, Autumn, and Callen; four siblings: Donald Willaert of St. Peter, Frances "Huntz" Willaert of St. Peter, Helen Schons of Gaylord and Patricia Northamer of Mankato; and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sheila Willaert; four brothers and five sisters.