Willene Fehrmann
Highland | Save
Willene Rosalia Fehrmann, age 96 of Highland, IL, died Thursday, December 25, 2025, at Cedarhurst of Highland in Highland, IL.
She was born on Wednesday, September 4, 1929, in Carlyle, IL, the daughter of John and Rose (nee Wilken) Vahlkamp.
Willene graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1946 and worked as a bookkeeper at Carlyle Lumberyard and Supply Company. She was active in the 4-H Club, softball, bowling and Rural Youth.
On Thursday, August 22, 1957, she married Paul August Fehrmann at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Carlyle, IL, who passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2009.
Willene was active in Pro-Life since 1973. She was a representative from St. Paul on Diocesan Pro-Life and served all offices in Right to Life of Highland. She was involved with starting Abortion Alternatives. She went to March for Life in Washington, D.C. twice.
She worked at JCPenney in Fairview Heights, then opened Willene’s Religious Joy in Highland. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. She was active in starting Perpetual Advocation (St. Joseph's Hospital Chapel), Pedra Pio Prayer Group, Schoenstadt Movement, Divine Mercy Cenacle. She was also a member of the Highland Toastmistress Club and Highland VFW Auxiliary #5694.
Her travels took her to most states in the U.S.A and many trips to Europe with her husband, who was a Basler International Representative. She took pilgrimages to Medjugorje, Bosnia and Gara Mandel, Spain.
She is survived by her children – Catherine M. (David) Boles, Wimberley, TX, Carol A. (Don) Dillon, Highland, IL, Cynthia R. Fehrmann, Saint Louis, MO, John A. Fehrmann, Highland, IL, and Paul J. (Linda) Fehrmann, Glen Carbon, IL; Grandchildren - Nikulas J. (Courtney) Wood, Angeline D. (Jacob) Emmel, Candace R. (Chris) Leguizamon, Gabriel N. Barron, George F. (Fiancée - Jennifer Wilkins) Erie, John A. (Angela) Barron, Ava C. Fehrmann and Jack R. Fehrmann; Great Grandchildren - Wyatt N. Wood, Elisabeth C. Wood, Ace C. Emmel and Maverick D. Emmel; Sisters - Rose Mary Husmann, Lillian Fleckenstein, Mariette Huwa and Leora "Lee" Love.
She was preceded in death by her Husband - Paul August Fehrmann; Parents - John Henry Vahlkamp and Rose Mary Vahlkamp, nee Wilken; Siblings - John Vahlkamp, Fred Vahlkamp, Vernon Vahlkamp and Colletta Vahlkamp; and Daughter-In-Law - Linda Fehrmann, nee Weis
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 8:30 AM to 10:15 AM on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, with Fr. Pat G. Jakel, pastor, St. Paul Catholic Church, in Highland, IL, officiating.
Interment will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Masses, St. Paul Catholic Church, or Charity of Donor's Choice.
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home
