BRANDON WILLEMS

Brandon Willems, 19, of Greenville, passed away Saturday, May 15, 2010, following a courageous 10 month battle with leukemia, surrounded by family and friends at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Brandon was born July 28, 1990, in Appleton, the son of Robert and Lorene (Leister) Willems, Greenville. He was a 2009 graduate of St. Mary Central High School. After Brandon was diagnosed with Leukemia on July 19, 2009, he opened himself to his family and friends and gave assurance that he would fight the cancer with all his strength. He wanted to give those around him a sense of comfort and would not let fear dictate his behavior. In November he underwent a bone marrow transplant lovingly donated by his little brother Luke. From the time of his transplant until March 15th, Brandon lived a cancer-free life and regained most of his strength. He was able to enjoy life like a 19 year old should be able to. Brandon was a very bright young man who had a loving and caring personality. His spirit, sense of humor and smile will be missed by everyone who knew him. Despite the pain Brandon was in, he always greeted people with a smile that was indicative of his Be Positive attitude and was an inspiration to all of us. Those who knew him and even those who only knew his story reminded his parents of the courage and love that Brandon projected every day of his life. During the past three years, Brandon worked at the Dairy Queen as a shift leader. He excelled in cross country and track while in high school. He loved going to Buffalo Wild Wings on Thursday nights and Cranky Pats midnight pizza buffets with his friends. Brandon liked camping, playing board games and cards with his family. He especially enjoyed playing video games with Matt, Luke and his friends. Brandon and Courtney spent a lot of time talking, laughing and sharing stories. Survivors include his parents, Bob and Lorene; his brothers and sister: Matt, Courtney and Luke of Greenville; his grandparents, Larry and Merle Leister, White Pigeon, MI, and Jerry and Shirley Willems, DePere; his great-grandmother, Cecilia Flaten, Green Bay; he is further survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. The Funeral Mass for Brandon will be celebrated Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 6:30 p.m., at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Neenah, with Fr. Richard Allen officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday at St. Mary Central High School, town of Menasha, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and again Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. until the hour of mass at the church. All are welcome to attend interment Thursday morning at St. Margaret Catholic Cemetery, Neenah. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Brandon Willems Memorial Fund. The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to Dr. Timothy Goggins and his staff; the staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital, 4 West; and Dr. Walter Longo and the staff at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, for all their loving and compassionate care given to Brandon and the family.