Clayton Wesley Willacker

WILLACKER, Clayton W. Portage Died on March 7, 2012 at home. Clayton was born on Oct. 26, 1934 in Southfield, Mi., one of 15 children born to Martin P. Sr. and Florence (Michels) Willacker. Clayton is survived by his loving family; wife, Jeannine; brother, Jerry (Judy) Willacker; sisters, Shirley (Russell) Gramer, Gail (Bill) Campbell, Arlene Matthews. Children; Cheryl Courtney, Edward (Olga) Willacker, Catherine McMullin, Cynthia (Dan) Longstreet, Cristina Willacker, Ayn (Brian) Nesbitt and Lance (Lisa) Nesbitt, 8 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, exceptional niece and nephew; Karen (Charles) Westphal, David (Danielle) Willacker and several other very special nieces and nephews. Special in-laws; Helen Simon, Clem (Alicia) Simon and Mary (Jim) Dunn. Clayton was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn (Simon), father, Martin Peter and mother, Florence (Michels) Willacker; brothers; Martin, Jr., Stanley, Donald, Vernon, Richard and Raymond and sisters; Verta Allen, Maxine Gardner, Doris Dery and Carol Cross. Clayton was an active member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church, serving as a Lay Minister and in the Ushers Club. He also attended People's Church (Unitarian Universalist) with his wife, Jeannine. Clayton was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Clayton was a gentle, loyal and loving son, husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle. He enjoyed wood carving, traveling and spending time "up north" and "down south". Gratitude and appreciation to Samuel Kirk Payne, M.D., Oncologist, West Michigan Cancer Center Staff, Bronson Hospital Staff, Father John Fleckenstein, Father James Adams and Father Bob Creagan, Beverly (Jim) Rindler, Heartland Hospice Staff; Deb Comstock, RN, Tonette Quick, RN, Kelli Smock, CNA, Scarlett Oheran, CNA and the many loving friends and family, too numerous to mention, with heartfelt gratitude and love. "A leaf is released from the arms of a tree to glide through the air... now totally free... A journey to make a good-bye to us all... a beautiful brilliance we will always recall." In Clayton's memory memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Association; St. Vincent De Paul's or the charity of your choice. A celebration of Clayton's life and luncheon will be held immediately following the Rite of Christian Mass on 11:00am Wednesday March 14, 2012 at St. Catherine of Siena Church with Father Robert Creagan, Celebrant. Internment at Schoolcraft Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00am to 11:00am before the service. Friends may leave a message and pictures for the family at www.avinkcremation.com. Arrangements by Avink Funeral Home Cremation Society Schoolcraft