Obituary of Steven Robert Willemarck

Steven Robert Willemarck, 63, of Clover Valley, passed away August 30th, 2022, after a courageous battle with colon cancer.

Diagnosed in February of 2020, he never complained, just considered it the “hand that was dealt.” He had stable results with Chemo treatments, even starring in a commercial for St. Luke’s Oncology. The last 4 months proved to be his greatest challenge, enduring numerous complications. His doctors and nurses loved his sense of humor and witty personality.

Steve was born August 11, 1959, to Olga (Stromberg) and Henry (Hank) Willemarck in Duluth, MN, where he remained a lifelong resident. He attended North Shore Elementary, Clover Valley High School, and Two Harbors High School.

Steve worked at Shorecrest Restaurant and Duane’s Highland Standard before starting a career in commercial roofing for Northwest Roofing and Jamar. After suffering a work-related injury, Steve transitioned to a 25-year career in Outside Sales for Napa.  Steve had always been passionate about cars. He enjoyed working on his AMX, Roadrunner, 72 Ford, and various other car projects. He was a member of the advisory board for the Automotive Department at Lake Superior College, Napa Auto Care Centers, and various other car organizations. As a young man, Steve fished along the Sucker River most days and enjoyed numerous fly-in fishing trips to Canada, piloted by his father. Camping, hunting, and snowmobiling trips with family and friends always ended with a good story to be told. On weekends he could be found antique hunting with his wife at auctions, swap meets, and car shows, and stumping family at music trivia and cribbage games. More recently, Steve enjoyed spending time with his wife and family at their cabin, watching the sunset and grandkids playing in the water. Rarely was a joke told twice giving us all years of laughter, often at our own expense.

Steve Willemarck is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Olga Willemarck, his father and mother in-law, John and Alice Lehet, and numerous other relatives.

He is survived by his wife Dawn, the love of his life for 35 years, whom he met at just 7yrs of age. Their children, Carrie Denney (Troy Brayden), Lindsey (Eric) Gangelhoff, Brandon (Alex) Willemarck and Kali Boman. Grandchildren, Noah, Isla, and Leah Brayden, Rosalie Gangelhoff, Eli and Ethan Willemarck, and Ella Olson. Siblings, Shelley (Lance) Berg and Jeff (Kim) Willemarck and many nieces and nephews.

We would like to give special thanks to all the lifelong friendships that were made by Steve’s friends, coworkers, NAPA clients, and local dirt track racing throughout the years.

Following his cremation, in honoring Steve’s request, there will be a small family gathering at the home he and his family built.