David Williams

David Dean Williams was born February 27, 1942, in Tracy, MN to Carroll Duane and Gloria Lauretta (Johnson) Williams. He passed away on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024 in Spearfish Canyon, SD at the age of 82. 

He was baptized as an infant, confirmed at Christ United Presbyterian Church in Marshall, and graduated from Marshall Senior High School in 1960. His first employment, after farming with his dad, was at Boeing Aircraft near Seattle, WA. In December of 1963, Dave enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard and served for six years. Dave and Kristen (Kris) were married in 1965 and bought their first house in Marshall. They were blessed with the births of two daughters, Kimberly and Becky. In 1972 they moved to Russell, MN for the scenic serenity of a small town, surrounded by woods and the Redwood River, the perfect place to raise children and horses. A big change took place in 1986 when the family moved to Ashby, MN to own and operate the Short Stop, where Dave enjoyed working for the next fifteen years. 

 Dave held many jobs over the years, including work with the engineering department of the City of Marshall, Taylor Lumber, Schwan’s Sales, Anderson Construction, Slagel and Wambeke Construction, and Ralco Sales. But the one profession he held, at his wife’s insistence, was that of carpentry. (She even kept a tape measure in her purse for future projects.) After selling the store in 2002, Dave had numerous carpentry jobs, both remodeling as well as new construction. He was always willing to use his skills in the community.

 Other activities with which he was involved, in Russell and Marshall, were school board, police reserve, fire department, fire and rescue, referee, and church elder. Sports activities were bowling, racquetball, golf, floor hockey, horseshoe, softball and baseball. Starting at a young age, Dave enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, which continued well into his older years.

 Dave’s involvement in outdoor activities continued in Ashby with hobby-farming, fishing, and hunting for ducks, geese, turkey, grouse, pheasant and deer. He was thankful for a successful Idaho elk hunting trip with friends, goose hunting trips to Canada, deer hunting with family at the cabin, and fishing in Lake Michigan with his brothers. These were great sources for many a story!

 Dave’s love for family grew even more when he became Grandpa. Suddenly, games and cards with the grandkids became just as exciting as coffee at the City Café or hunting! And his faith in the Lord increased with each miracle of healing and safety, such as the Blacken Lake incident. He continued to be thankful and amazed at God’s unending care and presence.

 The Minnesota State Fair was an annual tradition for Dave and his family. For more than 65 consecutive years he attended the fair (save 2020 when it was cancelled). His highlight as an FFA teenager was winning a trip to the State Fair with his Hereford heifer. His highlight as an adult was bringing his wife, children, and grandchildren to the State Fair on opening day (rain or shine) and gathering with extended family also sharing the tradition. Another favorite vacation spot was the Black Hills of South Dakota. Dave enjoyed 15 family vacations to different areas of the Hills, always soaking in the beauty and aroma of the spectacular evergreens. It was there where his Savior called him home.

 He will be missed by his wife of 59 years Kristen (Kris); daughters Kimberly Bailey and Becky Williams, both of Ashby; granddaughters Maddie Bailey of Golden Valley, and Katie Bailey of Ashby; brothers Don Williams (Cookie) of Ashby, and Dan Williams (Sharon) of Lynd; nieces and nephews, Jeff Williams of Fergus Falls, Rich (Lisa) Williams of Ashby, Randi (Eric) Winter of Falcon Heights, and Jamie (Jen) of Marshall; great-nieces McKenna and Sienna Williams, Cora Winter, and Jasmine Williams; great-nephews Jayden Williams, and Ethan Winter; and several cousins.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

  Blessed be the Memory of David Williams

 Visitation: Friday, August 2, 2024, from 5-7 P.M, with a 6:30 prayer service at the First Presbyterian Church in Ashby and continuing one hour prior to the service at the church. 

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church in Ashby.

Clergy: Rev. Paul Snyder

Interment: Pelican Lake Cemetery, Ashby, MN

Funeral arrangements are with the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby.