John Baker Willette

It is with great and loving sadness that we announce the passing of John Baker Willette on May 4, 2025. John was preceded in death by his parents, Cyril and Virginia; and his brother, Tom. John is survived by Kathleen, his loving wife of 51 years; children, Shannon Michelson (Nick) and Carin Hanson (Brady); grandchildren Henrik, Jordyn, Malia, Carter, and Cesar; siblings, LouAnn Willette (Dominican Order), Colleen Eckman (Michael), Steve Willette (Phyllis), Mark Willette (Ginny), and Jane Willette (John Lofswold); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. John was born on December 24, 1942 in Minneapolis, MN. His early years were spent living in south Minneapolis and attending school at St. Albert the Great Elementary School. He spent his freshman year at DeLaSalle High School and then enrolled in preparation to become a Christian Brother. This took John to St. Louis, Missouri, where he began his brotherhood preparation and completed his high school education. He then returned to St. Mary's College in Winona, MN to continue his brotherhood preparation and obtain his English undergraduate college degree. While at St. Mary's, he also obtained his master's degree in education. John, now Brother Andre, took up residence and teaching at Cretin High School in St. Paul, MN. John left his brotherhood preparation and teaching at Cretin in the late 1960's. He joined the staff of St. Agnes High School for several years. John met Kathy while both were attending the University of Minnesota Graduate School in education. John was seeking a doctorate degree while Kathy was a research assistant/graduate student seeking her master's degree. They were married on June 21, 1974 and lived in Shoreview, MN. Kathy went on to teach in District 624, White Bear Lake, for 34 years, retiring in 2008. John went on to join the Brooklyn Center Social Security office as a claims representative for 30 years, retiring in 2005. They have lived in New Brighton for 48 of their 51 years of marriage, just recently having moved from their home there to a New Brighton townhouse. Both shared the passion for teaching, writing, and reading. They enjoyed Gopher sports, theater, music, taking care of their home, vacationing on the North Shore, parenting their two daughters, and welcoming their two sons-in-law into the family in 2009. They spent many happy hours with their close friends and with their 5 grandchildren, ages 2-11. John had many interests. He was a lifelong fisherman, golfer, reader, card player and North Shore vacationer. He was known by many for his kind, gentle and caring ways. He was also known for his incredible hugs, his sense of fashion (think a lot of plaid), and his quirky sense of humor. He was especially fond of puns and provided his share of witty comebacks for each and every conversation. He was most definitely a "people person." He was a devoted and loving husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather to his family. To his friends, John was forever loyal, an aspiring golf putter, and a sometimes wily card player. He loved Gopher sports, the Minnesota Lynx, Twins, Vikings, writing, jazz, theater and movies. He will be sorely missed among us for John Baker Willette was truly "one of the good guys" of this world. A celebration of John's life will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 11 AM with visitation at 10 AM with luncheon to follow mass at Saint John the Baptist Church, 835 2nd Ave NW, New Brighton, MN 55112. The funeral mass will be livestreamed on YouTube for those unable to attend in person. The family wants to extend their sincere gratitude to the awesome staff of Allina United Hospital (Circle 4900), the staff of Langton Shores, and the staff of St. Therese Senior Living at St. Odilia for their expertise and loving care of John and of all his family. Donations are preferred to Twin Cities PBS (tpt.org), the Golden Gopher Athletic Fund, or the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf of New Brighton.

Tributes

John Baker Willette

December 24, 1942 - May 4, 2025

Tributes

John Baker Willette

December 24, 1942 - May 4, 2025

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203