Leonard "Red" Willems

Leonard "Red" Willems, age 84 of Kaukauna, passed away peacefully at his home on May 18, 2024.  Red was born in Green Bay on October 20, 1939, son of the late Leonard and Marcella (Wollersheim) Willems.  On November 13, 1965, he married Janis Schnell at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Askeaton.  

Years later, he became the owner of The Well, a well-known tavern just down the street, and now known as Rocky-Top. But for many years he was well known for his well-drilling business, Willems Well Drilling, Inc., which he operated for nearly fifty years. He also purchased and operated a well drilling business up north, known as Tipler Well Drilling. Red. served his country as a member of the United States Army and earned the rank of SP4. In his younger days, he enjoyed bowling and baseball, but lately his days were spent telling stories, shaking dice, and daily breakfast at Landreman's Family Restaurant.

Red is survived by his wife: Janis Willems; three children: Tammy (Ken) Kuchenbecker, Troy (Winnie Rootes) Willems, and Terri (Adam) Hansen; four grandchildren: D.J. (Adrianna) Quinzer, Brooke (Myles) Schroeder, and Steven Quinzer and Courtney (Michael Lounge) Willems; a great-granddaughter Annalise Quinzer; a brother-in-law Ron Schnell, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Red was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father Erv Tennessen, a sister Elaine (Bob) Miller, a brother Ron (Cheryl) Willems, a brother-in-law Buzz (Beno) Schnell; Janis' parents Butch and Mary Schnell and her step-father Herb Kalies.

A visitation for Red will be held on Sunday, June 30, 2024, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Fargo Funeral Home, located at 400 W. Wisconsin in Kaukauna.  All are invited to come and share stories and memories with Janis and the family.