Williams, William Claude "Bill" 1935-2014

WILLIAMS, WIEBERSCH, MADSON

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/18/2017 at 17:31:34

William “Bill” Claude Williams Jr., 79, of Le Mars, Iowa passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Le Mars. Rev. Kenneth Vanderploeg will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars with military honors conducted by Wasmer Post #241 of the American Legion. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Mauer – Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. The family will be present from 4-7 p.m. with a prayer service scheduled at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the funeral service on Wednesday.

William Claude Williams, Jr. was born on January 23, 1935 in Le Mars, Iowa to William, Sr. and Elizabeth (Wiebersch) Williams. He graduated from Le Mars High School in 1954. Following high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Army on October 14, 1955. He served as an aircraft mechanic. After earning an Honorable Discharge on October 13, 1958 Bill returned to Le Mars.

As a young man, Bill moved to Rock Island, Illinois where he worked at his uncle’s record shop. He relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota and worked for Capitol Records and Gillette. After a few years Bill returned to Le Mars and, along with his brother Art, owned and operated the Sinclair Service Station. They later sold the station and purchased the Hi-Lite Steakhouse and Lounge in Le Mars. When he and Art sold the steakhouse Bill took a position with Supersweet Feeds and farmed part-time. In the early 80’s he moved to Callfas Refuse and, over time, worked for Waste Management and, most recently, Van’s Sanitation.

On August 28, 1986, Bill and Kathryn Theresa Madson were united in marriage in Le Mars. Bill never really retired but he always found time for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He rarely missed one of their activities. He loved vintage cars, especially Hudson’s. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid Vikings, Hawkeyes and Cubs fan.

Bill will be lovingly remembered by his children, Julie Utesch of Kissimmee, FL, Mike and Mary Williams of Tampa, FL, Mark and Rhonda Williams of Le Mars, IA, John Bonnema of Kansas City, MO and Jason and Jenny Bonnema of Le Mars, IA; eleven grandchildren, Heather Johnson, Ashley Williams, Troy Scofield, Tyler Williams, Kristen Williams, Colin Williams, Kimberly Williams, Dylan Bonnema, Kayle Bonnema, Brady Bonnema and Joellen Bonnema; three great-grandchildren, Ethan Anderson, Ehren Anderson and Haleigh Anderson; a sister, LaVonne and John Matthews of Apple Valley, MN; a brother, Art and Betty Williams of Le Mars; sisters-in-law, Pat Eakin of Roanoke, VA, Pat Williams of Le Mars, IA and Darne Madson of San Leandro, CA; a brother-in-law Mike and Carla Madson of Polk City, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathryn on January 3, 2007; a step-daughter, Joellen Bonnema; an infant sister, Noreen; brothers, Tom, Bob and Ronald; and a brother-in-law, Jim Madson.

Mauer – Johnson Funeral Home
Le Mars, Iowa