Tim Edward Willenbring

TIM EDWARD WILLENBRING

May 3, 1933 – November 3, 2020

                Tim Edward Willenbring, age 87, a lifelong Two Inlets/Ponsford, MN area resident, entered the glory of Heaven, Tuesday evening, November 3rd, 2020 in the comfort of the same farmhouse he has lived for the past 60 years with his loved ones at his side.

                Tim was born on May 3, 1933 in Richmond, MN to Frank and Mary (Boeckermann) Willenbring.  At age two, he moved with his parents to a dairy farm just west of Two Inlets.  He grew through his boyhood years helping on the family farm and attending the Two Inlets Country School.  At the age of 21, Tim entered the United States Army where he faithfully served his country from October of 1954 until October of 1956 being stationed at Ft. Bliss, El Paso, Texas.  Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Tim returned to Minnesota to farm with his dad.  On November 26, 1960, Tim was united in marriage to a young widow, Mavis Schmaus Branstrom, who had a young daughter, Patricia who Tim raised and loved as his own.  In addition, they were blessed with four additional children: Paula, Joan, Jean, and George.  In addition to building his own dairy farm in Pine Point Township, Tim also operated a rural mail route from May of 1967 – until his retirement in October of 2000.  On June 9, 1978, he was sadly preceded in death by his dear wife, Mavis, leaving him to raise four teenagers by himself.  On November 23, 1985 Tim’s life was again fulfilled by his marriage to Marilyn Mae Wattenhofer Nason.  He often said he was so blessed to experience the love of two wonderful women who filled his life with so much joy.  Tim was an accomplished gardener, cook, and baker.  He was a lifetime member of St. Theodore’s Catholic Church in Ponsford where he devoted much time in a number of areas of ministry.  He served on the church council for many years, organized and prepared spaghetti each year for the church fundraiser; as well as prepared and sold food at numerous pow-wows.  He was also an active long time member of the Knights of Columbus, The Otto-Hendrickson American Legion Post, and the Park Rapids Eagles.  He and Marilyn enjoyed square dancing and were active members of the Friendly Squares.  He also found time to volunteer as a Senior Citizen Ombudsman at several area nursing homes.  Above all, Tim will be remembered for his quick sense of humor, his devoted love for his family, and his sincere and loyal friendship.

                He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Marilyn with whom he spent 35 happy years; his three daughters: Pat (Alan) Butler and Paula (Keith) Zitzow all of Rochert, MN and Jean (Michael) Coulson of Kohler, WI; his three step-children:  Welthy (Tony) Sturgeon of Phoenix, AZ, Renne (Janice) Nason of Brandon, Oregon and Leonard Nason of Detroit Lakes; 11 dearly loved grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

                Tim was preceded in death by his first wife, Mavis; his son, George in 2013 and daughter, Joan in 2019; his granddaughter, Stacie in 1985; two brothers: Walter and Raymond and three sisters: Esther, Alice, and Rose.

                Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Saturday, November 7, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Two Inlets, MN with Father Dan Nassaney, O.M.I. celebrating.  Visitation will begin one hour prior.  The mass music will be led by Susan Champa.  Interment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. 

To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com