Francis H Willaert

Francis H. "Frank" Willaert, age 82, of Mankato died Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at Hillcrest Health Care Center, Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 28, 2008 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Mankato with Rev. Ted Hottinger, S.J. officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at church on Friday. Memorials may be given to SCHOLA or an organization of the donor's choice. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Frank was born April 6, 1926 to C. Henry and Mary Theresa (Depuydt) Willaert in Mankato. He graduated from Loyola High School in 1944 and attended St. Mary's College in Winona. Frank was united in marriage to Kay Votca on February 18, 1950 in Mankato. He owned and operated F.H. Willaert Construction Company Inc. for 43 years. Frank was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 3rd & 4th Degree, Committee Member of Boy Scout Troop 24, Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and the I.U.O.E. Local 49. He enjoyed welding, reading, photography, spending time at the lake cabin, and visiting with family and friends.

Frank is survived by his wife, Kay; two sons, Paul (Mary) Willaert, Douglas (Jean Anne) Willaert all of Mankato; two daughters, Janice (James) Weingartz of Maplewood, Judy (Dan) Stephens of St. Louis Park; seven grandchildren, Ben (Jen) Willaert, Brian (Molly) Willaert, Joel (Jamie) Willaert, Connie (Patrick Ahern) Weingartz, Matthew (April) Weingartz, Dan Stephens, Chris Stephens; eight great-grandchildren; three brothers, Robert (Mary) Willaert of St. Peter, Andrew (Fran) Willaert of Chaska, Leon (Dorothy) Willaert of St. Peter; two sisters, Joan Mikolai of Wells, and Ignatia (Peter) Seys of Janesville; two sisters-in-law, Lois Willaert of Mankato, Armella Willaert of North Mankato; many nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, C. Henry and Mary Theresa; infant daughter, Constance; sister, Marie Willaert; three brothers, Joe (Florence) Willaert, Lawrence Willaert, and Art Willaert; brother-in-law, Roger Mikolai.