Rommens, William G.

Rommens, William G.
May 21, 1932 – Aug. 19, 2015

It is with great sadness that we, his family announce the sudden passing of Bill Rommens a great husband, dad, Opa, brother and friend. Dad passed away suddenly at the Peter Lougheed Center in Calgary surrounded by family.
Dad was born in Holland May 21, 1932 and grew up on a farm in Etten-Leur outside Breda with 8 brothers and 3 sisters. Dad cherished memories of that time and enjoyed sharing those stories in later years.
In 1957, he came to Canada to see what life would bring him here. When Dad arrived he worked on a farm in Bassano area, and then for a construction company in Brooks. With his experience and strong work ethic he landed a spot on the Alberta Arches and Beams crew based out of Brooks. He and a hardworking crew built many Quonsets in Central and Southern Alberta.
In 1962 Dad went back to Holland for his brother’s wedding. He met his bride and the love of his life at that wedding and gave birth to Dad’s saying, “From a wedding comes a wedding”. One year later Dad brought his new bride back to Canada. Dad was one of four Rommens brothers to make a life in Canada. He and Mom built a successful life in Strathmore, raising 3 children all of who still reside in the Strathmore Area.
Dad continued working at Arches and Beams for many years travelling and building. Dad got tired of being away from his family so he decided to work alongside Albert Boesenkool with Wheatland Construction Ltd. building many houses in Strathmore and area. In the mid 80’s Dad decided to specialize and so Rommens Construction began. Dad chucked meters and meters of concrete and quickly became the “go to” guy in the concrete industry. Dad taught us many life lessons but his hardworking demeanor was one that he will always be well known for.
Dad was also active in the community. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and put in many hours at the Catholic Church, building, fixing, and doing yard work. Dad made wonderful friendships through his work, through the Catholic Church community, and from enjoying life in a small town. He was grateful for each and every one.
Dad enjoyed visiting with his friends, playing cards, playing pool with Ben, watching all sports on TV, but soccer and hockey were his favorites. Dad loved camping and sharing the outdoors with his family, but cheering on his kids and grandkids was his most cherished activity. In later years he spent hours watching hockey and ringette. He always had a sportscasters’ comment to voice after each game; shared stats on the game that many times were slightly embellished.
Dad had many nicknames, Wim, Wimke, Dad, Wilbur, Billy Boy, and Big Bill but his most cherished name came in 1989 when he became an Opa for the very first time.
Left to cherish his memory is his best friend and loving wife of 52 years, Netty Rommens, his children, Bill and Deanne Rommens, Cheryl Rommens, and Rina and Bruce Hempel. His cherished grandchildren Amber Rommens, Brooke Rommens, Brandon Rommens (Sarah), Bobi Edelmann, Katie Edelmann, Lisa Hempel-Wurz and their family, and Amanda Hempel-Glubrecht and their family. His four brothers Tony and Cora Rommens and their families, George and Margaret Rommens and their families, Bert and Wilma Rommens and their families, Gerard and Rita and their families, and his sister Mien Rommens, his two sister-in laws Corrie Rommens and her families, and Nellie Rommens and her families; his brother in law Drey Renne and his families as well as many cousins that reside in Canada and Holland.
Dad was pre deceased by his parents Wilhelmus and Catharina Rommens, four brothers, Renis Rommens, Jan Rommens, Pete Rommens and Cor Rommens; 2 sisters Jo Nooren and Rita Renne.
Dad was a kind, gentle, and generous man who was always ready with a joke. He loved people and enjoyed their company immensely so in return everyone loved dad. His life is celebrated by all who had the privilege of knowing him and having him in our lives.
Dad’s celebration of life was held Monday Aug. 24, 2015 at Hope Community Covenant Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can still be made to Canadian Diabetes Foundation.