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BOOTH 4483

Last Updated: 11/13/08

Theodore “Ted” Willems (February 28, 1923 – July 13, 2008) 

Oakland, CA, July 22, 2008.- S.T. Johnson sadly announces the recent passing of Theodore “Ted” Willems, former company owner and President from 1975 to 2003.

 Ted passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on July 13, 2008 at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife Betty Willems; children, Fred Willems and Sue Rosenberg (Alan); stepchildren, Cindy Benson (Jerry) and Todd Lagner (Julie Cooper). He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret and son John. Cherished grandfather of Katie, Aaron, Maggie, Jessica and Bonnie. Also survived by his beloved dogs Molly and Kasey.

 Ted had a big personality and a tireless work ethic. He was born in Eindhoven, Holland, in 1923. After spending his childhood and early teens in Holland, he worked in England before eventually immigrating to the US and settling in Berkeley, CA. Ted studied the tool and die trade in Europe and brought those skills to his new home in the US. He acquired S.T. Johnson in 1975 after working here as a production manager. Ted represented the great American dream, coming to the U.S. with very little and through hard work and perseverance, ultimately becoming the owner of a successful manufacturing company.