Paul Charles Willink passed away peacefully at the Baldwin Care Center on Monday, September 4, 2017 in Baldwin, Wisconsin at the age of 87. Paul was born on February 5, 1930 in Baldwin, Wisconsin, the son of Arnold and Dorothy Willink. He graduated from Baldwin High School in 1948, attended Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and then transferred to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduating with a degree in music education. He married Thelma Erickson of Hudson in December of 1953. Over the next few years, Paul and Thelma welcomed two children, Mark and Paula, into their home. Paul taught both choral and instrumental music in Siren, Elmwood, Waunakee, and Baldwin. While teaching in Waunakee, he completed his Masters of Music degree at University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1960, he returned to Baldwin and taught music at the middle and high school levels until 1974. At that time, he opened Willink Music Center, which he owned and operated until his retirement.

Paul was an accomplished musician, artist, set designer, sign painter, woodworker and picture framer. He served his community by establishing a community band and men’s chorus. Paul was a church organist from the time he was a teenager well into his later life. His greatest pleasure came from sharing his music with others and bringing his creative talents to life. Paul was a gentle man full of compassion and welcomed everyone. His sense of humor brought a smile to those around him.

Paul is survived by his children, Mark (Debbie) Willink of Baldwin and Paula (Phillip) Klacan of River Falls; grandchildren, David (Susie) Willink, Jonathan (Mary) Willink, Katherine (Dain) Schilling, and Grant Klacan; great-grandchildren, Greta, Charlie, Francesca, Louisa, Dorothy, Ingrid, and Amelia; loving companion, Ida. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Thelma; parents, Arnold and Dorothy (Snoeyenbos) Willink; and brothers, Donald and Robert.

Celebration of Paul’s life will be 2 PM, Saturday, September 16 at the First Presbyterian Church in Baldwin. Visitation will be Friday, September 15 from 4 PM to 6 PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Baldwin as well as one hour prior to the service at the church Saturday afternoon. Burial will be in the Baldwin Cemetery. Memorials received will be directed to the Paul and Thelma Willink Scholarship fund at Baldwin-Woodville High School.