Obituary of Willie Impens
Impens: Willie -
A resident of Blenheim, Willie Impens passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the age of 97.
Born in Denderhoutem, East Flanders, Belgium, Willie was the son of the late Remi and Celeste (née Verlinden) Impens. Willie immigrated to Canada in March of 1929 with his parents and has lived on and farmed on the 3rd Concession/Lagoon Road in the Erieau Marsh all of his life.
Beloved husband for 62 years to Yvonne Impens (née VanDeWiele).
Loving father of Judith Krall (Doug) of Petrolia and Joann Wiltenburg (Len) of Blenheim.
Proud Grandpa to Anne Krall, Mathew Krall, Jonathan Krall, Stephen Krall and Emma Wiltenburg.
Predeceased by his sister Mary DeBaere (2022) (Arsene).
Also missed by nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
Willie loved fishing on Rondeau Bay, which he did well into his 90's. He was a proud member of the Blenheim Knights of Columbus and spent many years assisting with functions at St. Anne's of the Lake, Erieau.
Willie will be remembered for his tireless work ethic and his dedication to family and friends.
Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from 6:00 - 8:00pm. Vigil Prayers will be held Wednesday at 7:30pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church, 95 Marlborough St. N., Blenheim at 11:00am on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.
Donations made in memory of Willie to the Blenheim Medical Health Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
McKinlay Funeral Home
141 Park Street, Blenheim
519-676-3451
Grief Support
The death of someone we care about can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. These articles are meant to describe different types of grief; their intent is to help you understand your own, or to help you empathize with another person's grief.
LEARN MORE >
Our Locations
McKinlay Funeral Homes is pleased to offer services from locations in Ridgetown, Blenheim, and Chatham. We have a wide range of services available in these communities. Please click on the link below for more information about these facilities.
LEARN MORE >
Send Flowers
Our local florists are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements, and are backed by their professionalism and prompt service. Allow us to take care of your expression of sympathy by connecting with our local florists through our website.
LEARN MORE >
Let Us Help You
Please feel free to browse our pages to learn more about pre-planning a funeral and grief support, as well as the traditional funeral and cremation services that we have to offer. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at anytime, we are available by phone or e-mail, or drop by the office in person. We are always here to help.
Ridgetown: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-397
Blenheim: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-41
Chatham: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-174
Nathan McKinlay is in charge of day-to-day operations in Chatham.
Jeff Mardling is in charge of day-to-day operations in Blenheim & Ridgetown.
Click HERE for the Bereavement Authority of Ontario's Consumer Information Guide.