Daniel Edward Williams

Daniel "Dan" Edward Williams passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, at St. Cloud Hospital at the age of 72. A visitation with viewing will be held from 5:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Shalom Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Carlos Prairie Cemetery in Carlos, MN immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Dan's family.

Daniel Edward Williams, affectionately known as Dan, was born on December 10, 1952, in Grand Forks, North Dakota to a family that would eventually encompass nine siblings. The son of Frank and Mary (Logan) Williams, his early years were characterized by frequent relocations across states such as California, Montana, Minnesota, and North Dakota due to his father's job. These experiences enriched his life with a sense of adventure and camaraderie among his siblings, although they certainly kept their parents on their toes. Dan cherished family traditions, reminding his loved ones of his mother's beloved banana pudding pie, which graced every family birthday.

Through mutual friends in Fargo, North Dakota, Dan met the love of his life, Karen Gibbon. They were married on April 17, 1979, in Karen's hometown of Milnor, North Dakota. He became an owner-operator of his own semi-truck, primarily packing and delivering families’ households to their new homes. Later in life, Dan drove school bus and made countless connections with the students he transported that still remember him today.

Family life was a central pillar of Dan's existence. He and Karen raised four children: Scott, Ben, Renae, and Tim. Dan was not just a father; he was a loving and dependable presence in their lives, making it a point to never miss a birthday celebration, often waking his children in the middle of the night to share a special moment before heading out on his next journey. His pride in his grandchildren was boundless; he delighted in sharing stories about their achievements and was known as the best grandpa. As his health started to decline, Dan spent parts of the last few years in the compassionate care of Knute Nelson Care Center, where he was surrounded by supportive staff who loved and treated him as family.

Dan's interests were diverse and engaging. He cherished family time, often taking his family biking along the scenic Heartland Trail, camping trips, and fishing excursions where targeting walleyes became a favorite pastime. An avid music lover, Dan showcased his talents by playing a variety of instruments including the guitar and harmonica, often providing the soundtrack to family gatherings. Additionally, he relished exploring the scenic sights while riding motorcycles alongside his family and often tried his luck playing slot machines whenever he came across them.

His personality shone brightly; he was known for his good sense of humor and his ability to connect with everyone around him. Dan cared deeply about forming genuine relationships and left a significant impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing him. A lover of coffee, he was rarely seen without a cup in hand, ready to share a laugh or a story.

Dan was a compassionate husband, father, grandfather, and friend, whose memories and legacy will continue to thrive in the hearts of those who loved him.

Dan's journey in this life concluded on August 11, 2025, at St. Cloud Hospital. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Karen Williams; children, Scott (Naomi) Williams, Ben (Ashley) Williams, Renae (Jeremy) Smith, and Tim Williams; grandchildren, Danny, Lizzie, Gwen, Charlie, and Paisley Williams and Caleb and Sierra Smith; siblings, Kathy, Tim, Tom, Ralph, and John Williams, and Maria Kennedy. He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Carrie Wijnholds, Mike and Frank Williams.