John C. Willaert

November 2, 1936 - August 2, 2019

John C. Willaert, age 82 of Monroe, passed away peacefully Friday, August 2, 2019 at ProMedica Monroe Nursing Center surrounded by his loving family. Born November 2, 1936 in Monroe, John was the son of the late Andrew and Zoe (Colpaert) Willaert. He graduated from Monroe High School and served his country in the U.S. Army. On September 5, 1959, he married Donna M. Giznsky at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Together they raised three children. John was a retired Firefighter for the City of Monroe who enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, playing cards, observing wildlife, doing crossword puzzles, and long rides in the car with family and close friends. He is described as being a social butterfly who never met a stranger. His most meaningful time was spent with family, especially enjoying his great-grandbabies. John is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Donna; his three children, John Willaert, Jr. of Monroe, Douglas Willaert of Petersburg, and Kellie (Manuel) Garcia of Wyandotte, MI. Additionally, he is survived by four siblings, Helen Edwards of Ida, Bernice (Ralph) Windels of Monroe, Fran Ingels of Monroe, and Andrea (Thomas) LaBo of Monroe; two grandsons, Aaron (Megan) Reaume and Ross (Nicole Gregor) Reaume; two great-grandchildren, Ashlyn and Rohan Reaume; and several step-grand and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, John was also preceded in death by a brother, James Willaert. In keeping with John’s wishes, cremation will take place with no services at this time. For anyone wishing to make a memorial donation in John’s name, the family suggests one of these three options: Mott’s Children Hospital in Ann Arbor; Bottle Babies Animal Rescue ([email protected] via PayPal, or 16486 Truwood, Woodhaven, MI 48183, or through P.O. Box 216 Allen Park, MI 48101), or the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy (www.miwildlife.org).