90 years, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side at the Leamington Mennonite Home on August 21, 2025. Survived by his loving wife, Linda (nee Redekop) of 66 years. Loving father to Judy Tiessen (David), Gerald Willms (Joan) and Cynthia Tenbroeke (James).
Cherished Grandpa to Jeremy Willms (Karin), Danny (Maeghan) Willms (Emma), Kyle Tiessen (Connie), Gillian Collins (James), Joshua Willms (Emma), Devon Tenbroeke, Vanessa Vandersluis (Robert) and waiting with open arms in heaven the late Colin Tenbroeke (2006). Great Opa to Felix Willms, Alexander Willms, Addison Willms, Jackson Willms, Jacob Collins, McKenna Tiessen, Abigail Tiessen, Rowan Willms, Josiah Collins and Jedediah Collins.
Predeceased by his parents William and Bertha Willms. Brother to late Arthur Willms (Carmen), late William Willms (late Agnes), Adeline Tulen (Jack), George Willms (Cheryl). Also remembered by several cousins, nieces and nephews.
John was a lifelong resident of Leamington growing up in town on Ontario Street and later on Orange Street. Then, in 1945, moved to the family farm at the back of Hope Lane between the 5th and 6th concessions.
There his parents and family had a greenhouse operation and also grew peaches, melons, celery, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, peppers and more.
John was a longstanding member of North Leamington United Mennonite Church. He was a founding member of the Rhine Danube Sportsmen Club and enjoyed more than 50 years as an active member of the club and served on the board for many years.
Dad enjoyed his special “patch of heaven” in Parry Sound on the Orange Valley Road where he enjoyed special times in nature with family and hunting deer, moose and bear with his buddies.
Special thanks to the incredible, kind, and considerate staff at the Leamington Mennonite Home. Words cannot express our sincere gratitude.
Memorial donations in memory of John can be made to the Leamington Mennonite Home.
Visitation will be held at Reid Funeral Home Leamington, 14 Russell Street (519-326-2631) on Thursday, August 28 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. The funeral ceremony will be held at North Leamington United Mennonite Church, 625 Mersea Road 6 on Friday, August 29 at 10:00am.
Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Reid Funeral Home.
