Brenda Willems Obituary

Brenda E. Willems July 24, 1960 - Oct. 12, 2025 Menasha, Brenda Willems, 65, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on Sunday October 12, 2025.

Brenda was born July 24, 1960, in Neenah, WI to the late Ernest (Pat) and Bernice (Bonack) Zimmerman. Brenda graduated in 1978 from Neenah High School. She married the love of her life, Harry Willems, on her birthday, July 24, 1981. They celebrated 42 years of marriage before Harry passed away. She worked for Kimberly Clark starting when she was 19 years old until she retired in 2015. During her retirement, she subbed for Menasha School District as a paraprofessional, from the fall of 2016 until her passing. She enjoyed being a “grandma” to all the kiddos. Brenda was the definition of a social butterfly. She made friends everywhere she went. She had the biggest smile and heart. She was an amazing wife, mom, grandma, and friend. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, family, and friends. She really enjoyed going on cruises, buying jewelry from her jewelry guys in St Maarten, and playing craps in Vegas. She also loved to sing, whenever and wherever. She liked going to lunch with all the ladies, music in the park, bible study, and grief share. If you ever needed a coupon, she probably had one. Brenda was such a caring and compassionate person. She treated everyone like family. She was able to better people’s lives through organ donation.

Brenda is survived by her daughters, Sara (Al) Barbin, and Kayla (Jake) Johnson; her grandson Rowan Johnson; her siblings Dan Prestridge, Barb Johnson, Dawn Zimmerman, Jean (Bob) Woelfel; her brother-in-law Mark Willems; her sisters-in-law Jean Petit, Sandy (Mike) Hefner, Amber Obano, and Samantha Hays; along with other family members and friends.

Brenda was preceded in death by her husband Harry; her parents; her mother-in-law Shirley Willems; her sister-in-law Sandy Prestridge; her brothers-in-law Jim Gall, Shawn Willems, and Bruce Petit; her niece Corrina Kronberg; and one of her best friends, her cousin Katie Scheidt.

Mom, I cannot put into words how much you meant to me. I don’t know what I am going to do without you. I love you so much and will miss you like crazy. We had a special bond. I find comfort in knowing you are with dad. Love, Sara

A celebration of life will be held Saturday November 15, 2025 at the Menasha Senior Center (116 Main St, Menasha, WI 54952) from 11am-6pm. Please join us in celebrating what a wonderful life Brenda lived and all the lives she has brightened.