Robert Williams

Robert Carl Williams was born to Walter Carl Williams and Ethel Mae (Thorp) Williams on March 15, 1933. He grew up on the family farm in Sherburn, MN. He attended school through the 10th grade and two years later he enlisted in the US Navy when he was 18; following in his brother’s footsteps.

He served as a fireman on the ship the USS Luzon during the Korean conflict from 1951 through 1955.  After being honorably discharged in 1955 he would meet and then marry Delores Lorraine Luckenbill on March 16, 1956. They lived in the Estherville and Algona, IA area for most of their married life. Their union would produce seven children, 23 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and 8 great, great grandchildren.  Later in life he would go back to college and receive his AAS degree in Logic and also a chief boiler operator’s license; he worked as a boiler operator for 30 plus years. Many times, during these years he would work two and three jobs; including working on the railroad and hauling coal, to support his family. During these years he served as a Sergeant in the US Army National Guard.

He went by many names from friends and family, Robert, Bob, Rabbit, Papa, Grandpa. He loved spending time with friends and family playing cards and chess, or as one granddaughter put it, “He loved Jesus, Jokes and Cards!” He also enjoyed fellowshipping with folks over a meal at the Family Diner in Spirit Lake, IA and after moving to Alexandria, MN, The Diner became his new favorite hangout.

He followed hard after his first love, Jesus Christ. He never hesitated to share Jesus and the plan of salvation with those he would meet or fellowship with. He held a boy's club every Saturday in Estherville, IA. These evenings started with teaching them sports/sportsmanship, and taking them camping, followed by supper at his home and closing with a short bible study.

Robert C. Williams passed away on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at his home in Alexandria.  Left to cherish Robert’s (Papa’s) memory are his children, Deb & Doug Holmgren of Alexandria, MN, Marci Voigt & Josh DePolis of Spooner, WI, Dirk & Kathy Williams of St. James, MN, Bekah Johnson of Round Rock, TX, Luke Williams & Cary Buss of Algona, IA, Bobby John Williams & Delina Wallin of Adrian, MN, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and Great, Great Grandchildren and brother Dale Williams of Filer, ID and Sister, Margaret Williams of Algona, IA.

Preceding Robert in death after 62 years of marriage the love of his life, Delores Lorraine Williams passed away on June 9, 2018, one child, Janelle Lynn, his parents and two brothers and two sisters.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 13, 2021, at 2 PM at the Reach Church, 1310 N Nokomis NE, Alexandria, MN.  A visitation will take place for one hour prior to the service.

A second Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 10:30 AM at the Regional Worship Center, Crossroads Dr, Sherburn, MN 56171.  A visitation will take place for one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery, Memorial Park Dr, Fairmont, MN 56031.  Military Honors will be performed by the Fairmont American Legion Post #36 and the Fairmont VFW Post #1222.

Honorary Pallbearers: Joshua John Aanonson, Robbie Lee Williams, Jason Douglas Holmgren, Andrew Lewis Aanonson, Ryan Christopher Williams, Brandon Levi Carter, Jordan James Voigt, Chase Lucas Moeller, Brian James Anderson, Seth Allen Williams, Weston Scott Woodyard.

The desire of his heart was to always live for Christ. Philippians 1:21 For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.