Clare Willman

Homecoming for a Beloved Man On Friday, October 23rd, Clare William Willman went home to be with the LORD. Clare was born of Gladys and William Willman on September 24, 1935 in Felch, MI. He was a cherished father, brother and loved by many friends in the Marquette and Kingsford communities. Besides being known for his quick wit and hilarious one-liners, Clare was an ingenious, compassionate, very generous and wise man. He had a unique ability to size up a situation providing sharp insight into what really mattered and was important. He impacted the lives of persons, young and old alike...and will be deeply missed by all. As a teen Clare started his own egg business, purchasing eggs from Northern Wisconsin and distributing them throughout the Upper Peninsula. Clare recruited his buddies to help him candle and grade eggs as well as ride "shotgun" during trips as far as Sault Ste. Marie. Clare also tried his hand at various other ventures including planting and selling Christmas trees. Clare graduated from Kingsford High School in 1953 and then briefly attended Miami University in Florida. A semester later, he transferred back to the UP to attend Northern Michigan University to continue his degree in Business Administration. While attending college he again recruited his friends in the sale of Cutco cutlery and other hardware items. It was at NMU that he met his former wife, Patricia Vezina. After graduation, Clare moved to Appleton, WI where he worked for Universal Paper selling paper products. In 1960, he transferred with Universal to the familiar area of the UP settling in Marquette. Beginning in 1963, he entered the field of financial investments with Waddell and Reed. Within the next 50 years Clare served many clients and worked with companies including Kelley and Morey, Inc., Integrated Resources Corp., Securities America and later developed his own Financial Investment Timing Company with his brother Mark. Clare was honored as a top salesmen throughout his entire career winning several awards which included trips both nationally and internationally. He had offices in both Marquette and Iron Mountain. Clare was involved in the Kiwanis Club for years but many knew him as a passionate coach and avid supporter of the Marquette Junior Hockey Association. He encouraged many eager, young boys to play hockey by renting the ice in the wee hours of the morning, picking up neighbor kids and bringing them to the old Palestra. Besides coaching mite, bantam, midget and junior teams, he sponsored many individual hockey players and teams. Clare also helped make it possible for aspiring players to continue their careers by assisting in the formation of the Marquette Electrician (Midget AAA) and Marquette American (International Junior B) hockey teams. Furthermore, he was also known as a faithful fan and booster of the Kingsford High School athletic teams, whose games and practices he enjoyed attending. Clare was unsurpassed as an advocate of youth and their desire to exceed at sports. Clare was preceded in death by his eldest son, Scott and leaves behind five living children: Eric (Forsythe township), Monica (Marquette), Moira (Shreveport, LA), Kelly (Nashville, TN), Sean (Gwinn), as well as former wife, Pat (Marquette). His thirteen grandchildren include Scotty, Ashley, Brianna, Alexa (Iron Mountain); Tony, Nickolas and Gabriel (Marquette); Jimmy and Alexandra (Shreveport, LA); Jacob (Nashville, TN); Christian, Brendan and Jack (Gwinn) with one great-grandchild Caden (Iron Mountain). His is also survived by brothers Clay (Sheboygan, WI), Mark (Hoffman Estates, IL), David (Annapolis, MD), and one sister Julie (Santee, CA). Clare also leaves a dear friend and companion of eighteen years, Mary Clare Nygaard (Iron Mountain) and her boys Paul and Greg (both of Green Bay). Clare will be greatly missed and cherished in the hearts of all who knew and loved him: he was a man who truly left a mark on the lives of others. The family of Clare will welcome friends and acquaintances to Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Kingsford Wednesday, October 28th for visitation from 10 am-12pm CST with a church memorial service at 12:00noon followed by a luncheon. For additional information contact Erickson, Rochon, and Nash Funeral home at (906) 774-7676. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to P.O. Box 683, Marquette, MI 49855 for a memorial fund that will benefit Kingsford athletics. Family greatly appreciates the sharing of personal stories regarding Clare and can also be sent to the above address or emailed to Eric_Willman@yahoo.com.

Clare Willman

October 23, 2009