Gene Frances Willkom

Gene Frances Willkom, 93, Chippewa Falls, formerly of Cadott, died knowing she was truly loved, surrounded by family Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, at the Comforts of Home in Chippewa Falls. Gene was born to the late Frank and Florence (McGrath) McKay, Feb. 18, 1927. She graduated from Cadott High School in1944. Gene married Norman Willkom April 8, 1947, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Eau Claire. They lived in Boyd, early in their marriage, finally settling in Cadott, where she was a homemaker and mother to their 10 children. She also worked at the Northern Center for 23 years, retiring in 1990. Throughout the years, she was an active member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Cadott, the Little Flower Circle, VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, Goetz Women’s Card Club, the Red Hats and with her tribal name, “Star Woman,” she was a Lac Courte Oreilles member. She loved traveling throughout all parts of the United States, with family and friends. She always looked forward to family gatherings, social events and of course, her morning newspaper and coffee. Gene has filled our hearts with so much love and will be forever missed. She is survived by her children – Marcia (John) Rollins, Rice Lake; Scott (Angie) Willkom, Chippewa Falls, Patti (Maynard) Lodahl, Boyd, Jayne (Jinx) Witt, McFarland, Mike (Colleen) Willkom, Cadott, Kathy (Dave) Burns, Jim Falls, Sheila (Bill) Mayer, Chippewa Falls, and Shavonne Willkom, Mauston; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and many nieces; nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband – Norman Willkom; daughter – Margaret (Peggy) Woodford Rathbun; son – Dennis Willkom; great-grandchildren – Lilah Witt and Nadir Shah; parents – Frank and Florence McKay; brothers – Reginald McKay and Tom McKay; and sisters – Shirley Lisuzzo, Margaret Havens, Eileen Anderson and Doris Rubenzer. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 1 p.m., Monday, Aug. 17, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in  Boyd, with Father William Felix officiating. Interment will take place at St. Rose Catholic Cemetery in Cadott, following the service. A visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, at the church. Leiser Funeral Home in Cadott, is assisting the family.