A celebration of life service for Justine G. Willmert of Albert Lea will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. John’s Lutheran Community chapel in Albert Lea. The Rev. Joel Vano will officiate. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Friends may visit with family one hour before services at St. John’s Lutheran chapel.

Justine died on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Community. She was 79 years and 5 months old.

She was born on June 2, 1934, in Blue Earth, the daughter of Orthwin and Dorothy (Hesterman) Willmert. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hollandale.

Justine graduated from Albert Lea High School and then obtained her nursing degree from the Naeve Hospital’s registered nurse nursing program.

In 1957, Justine moved to California and worked as an operating room nurse. In 1963, she started as transplant nurse at the University of California. In 1967, Justine moved back to Minnesota and worked at the University of Minnesota Hospital with Dr. John Najarian in the kidney transplant program. In 1980, Justine began work at North Memorial Hospital in Minneapolis, then moved on to the Baptist Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz., from which she retired when she was 65.

Justine enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends. Her travels were highlighted by a trip to China and an African safari. She always made new friends along the way.

Justine is survived by her brothers Bryan (Mary) Willmert and Orlo (Jean) Willmert of Albert Lea, sisters-in-law Barbara Willmert of Albert Lea and Lorraine Willmert of Austin; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and loving friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Orthwin and Dorothy; brothers Richard and John Carroll; nephews David Willmert and Randy Willmert; great-nephews Aaron Stotts, Raymond Milholland and Carter Newell; and great-niece Heidi Newell.

Memorials suggested to Naeve Nursing Alumni Scholarship or charity of choice.