Mile of Music sign Jan. 24, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — An original co-producer of Mile of Music has died.
Paul Willems died May 14 at the age of 78, his family said. He had been suffering from ALS for 18 months.
Willems was the older brother of Dave Willems, Mile of Music’s creator and the festival’s curator.
Paul Willems was credited with providing financial and in-kind support to Mile of Music. He also helped with recruiting sponsors, logistics, stage management and hosting. He last worked at the 2023 festival.
“I am forever grateful to Paul for being an exemplary brother, colleague and mentor and was so proud when he joined the company because he was as or even more devoted to community-building,” Dave Willems said in a statement. “He was always up for a challenge, even the goliath ones, and I was thrilled when he saw the same potential in Mile of Music for community impact as I did because I wouldn’t have pursued it without his blessing and help.”
Paul Willems was also a Vietnam veteran, serving as captain and battery commander of the 23rd Artillery Group near Saigon. He received three Bronze Stars, including one for valor, during his 11-month tour of duty.
A memorial concert is being planned for this fall at Mile of Music’s Gibson Community Music Hall in downtown Appleton.
A memorial fund has been established within Appleton Community Music, the non-profit organization supporting Mile of Music. Donations can be made online, or by mail at:
P.O. Box 1674
Appleton, WI 54912
A memorial scholarship has also been established at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Donations can be made online or by mail at:
UW-Green Bay Foundation
Attn: Cofrin Library Room 805
2420 Nicolet Dr.
Green Bay, WI 54311-700
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