George "Pete" Willen

George "Pete" Willen, a deeply loved member of his family, was born on July 23, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He passed away on March 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate within the hearts of those who knew him.

Pete's life was marked by his commitment to service and dedication to his work. He served his country as a member of the Air Force. Following his military service, Pete spent 20+ years at Seagram's Distillery in Lawrenceburg and Seagram’s Headquarters in Manhattan, NY, where he became a Senior Software Support Analyst. After returning to Indiana, he continued his career with Farm Bureau Insurance in Indianapolis until his retirement following 21 years of service. While his professionalism and work ethic shone brightly in every role he undertook, he was known for his whimsical ties and brightly colored socks.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Pete was known for his deep love of family and community. He found joy in the little things, whether it was picking up litter in his neighborhood, to keep his community clean, or engaging in heartfelt conversations with those around him. He possessed a remarkable memory and could captivate anyone with his stories and smile.

Although Pete enjoyed his moments of solitude, he was equally adept at being a warm and engaging presence when he chose to socialize. He was an all-around good guy, perfectly content to share laughter and warmth with those he loved. His family members were fortunate to share countless moments filled with joy, including lively card games and beautiful days spent on the water, jet skiing and tubing.

Possessing a deep affection for cats, Pete found companionship in his furry friends, adding yet another layer to his kind and gentle spirit. He had an appreciation for the arts and was an avid reader of a variety of topics. A proud recycler, he cared deeply for the environment, reminding all of us of the importance of preserving our world for future generations.

Pete's love for watching sports prompted many conversations with friends and family that brought him tremendous joy, offering yet another dimension to his playful nature. He embraced life with enthusiasm and filled his years with a blend of humbleness and adventure — a true reflection of his character.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Martha (Rosenbaum) Willen, his brother Larry Willen, and infant sister Mary Sue Willen.

While the world has lost a rare gem in George "Pete" Willen, his memory will inspire and comfort his surviving sisters and brother as they hold onto the many cherished memories of their dear brother. His spirit will remain alive in the stories shared, the love exchanged, and the actions inspired by his caring heart.

He is survived by his siblings Jim (Pam) Willen of Shoreview, MN, Ann DeLoach of Quechee, VT, Lynn Vertrees of Issaquah, WA, and Jo (Lenny) Ziegler of Batesville, IN. He is also survived by his five nieces and five nephews and his beloved cats, Hannah and Sadie.

There will be a Memorial Gathering in honor of Pete at Flanner Buchanan (Washington Park East) on May 10, 2025, from 1 to 3 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wheeler Mission or a food pantry of your choice.