Rudolph Willemsen Obituary

Rudolph (Rudy) Willemsen, 96 of Hawthorne NJ, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
Born in Hawthorne NJ June 27, 1929, his family moved to Pennsylvania for a period of time during his youth before moving back to Paterson, New Jersey. In 1970, he settled back in Hawthorne with his wife and five daughters.
Rudy was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church Fair Lawn, where he and his wife were married almost 74 years ago. He was Staff Sargent in the United States Air Force. When he left the service he worked for the Telephone Company for a brief time until, in 1955, he began working for Kearfott Guidance & Navigation Corporation as a technical engineer where he stayed until his retirement in 1995.
He was a member and treasurer of a private flying club for 29 years, piloting single engine planes, often enjoying a quick flight for lunch, apple dumplings or pie at one of the nearby airports.
He was also a lifelong member of the American Legion in Fair Lawn NJ, and had been their board secretary for many years, responsible for the monthly newsletter that went out to all veterans in the Bergen and Passaic County areas.
Rudy is predeceased by his parents Minnie & William Willemsen, and brother Anthony Willemsen. Devoted husband of Aidee Willemsen (nee Schlicher). Beloved father of Linda Kutzer and husband James, Sandra Willemsen and partner Rena McCarroll, Wendy Willemsen and partner Gary Juganov, Cindy Aukamp, and Trudy Chiavelli. Cherished grandfather of Eric Homer, Nicoleen Rand and husband Phillip, Tina Bellina, Kevin Bellina, Spencer Aukamp and fiancé Maura McNutt, Skyler Chiavelli and fiancé Ceasar Germosen, and Parker Aukamp. Great grandfather of Ariana Homer, Alessa Cabezas, Maddex Batts, Adrian Homer, Nayeli Germosen, Malakai Rand, and Amir Germosen. Loving brother of Minnie Lynch and Margorie Vitz, and kind-hearted uncle to all his nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 22-15 Broadway (Route 4) Fair Lawn, NJ 07410. Interment will follow at the Laurel Grove Memorial Park in Totowa. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from 4-8pm at the Browning-Forshay Funeral Home, 557 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne, NJ 07506.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 22-15 Broadway (Route 4) Fair Lawn, NJ 07410