Richard J. Williams was born on the family farm north of Martell on February 20, 1926, the second of five children of Oleda (Keszler) and James Williams. He was a WW II veteran who was drafted into the Army at the age of 18 and served in Japan and the Philippines with the 33rd Infantry, surviving the battles of Luzon and Leyte. Upon returning home from the war, he worked for the railroad and met the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Schwartz.
Together they began a family and started farming just down the road from Richard’s childhood home. It was a familiar sight in the neighborhood to see Richard driving a John Deere 4010 standing up. Every morning and evening you would find him with 50 of his favorite 1,500 lb. ladies in the milk barn. After he retired his son took over and few things gave him more delight than spotting the “Williams Farms” semi traveling down the road.
Richard was a faithfully present husband and father who instilled values of good, hard, joy-filled work in his children and grandchildren. He was a steady presence in his church and community, quick to offer help or encouragement to a friend or neighbor in need of it.
Richard will be remembered for his faith in the Lord, his love of farming, and his ability to duct tape anything and everything. Those who knew him best knew his generosity, his caring nature, his love of a good polka, his kindness and how his eyes twinkled when he was teasing or joking with those he loved. He would tell you that he was almost undefeated in hands of pitch. Some would say he cheated but he was never caught in the act. Richard and Dorothy spent many Friday evenings at the Sprague church enjoying home-cooked food and playing pitch with their closest friends.
Richard loved his family deeply. From his spot at the head of his dining room table, he taught his grandchildren that pickled herring goes great with ice cream, a game of cribbage is a life necessity, and that time with family is never wasted. He was quick to offer both encouragement and advice – a true teacher and coach.
Richard's greatest love was his wife, Dorothy. They exchanged their first glance at a wedding. Richard would proceed to meet up with Dorothy at Gold’s Department Store where he asked his future bride on their first date. He chose her daily and walked faithfully beside her. Together they lived out a beautiful love story. The legacy of their 73-year marriage includes 3 children,12 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, who will each attest to the enduring impact he has had on their lives.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents Oleda (Keszler) and James Williams, Grandson Jonathan Walz, Sister and Brother-in-law Eunice and Al Gloor, Brother Clifford Williams, sister-in-law Katherine Williams, and brother-in-law Kenneth Keszler.
Left to forever miss his presence in this world are his wife, Dorothy Williams, sons and daughters-in-law: Dennis and Sara Williams, Gary and Marti Williams, daughter and son-in-law Sandra and Bob Walz. Grandchildren Jeri Williams, Jesse (Allison) Williams, Rebecca (Matt) Miratsky, Luke Williams, Carrie (Drew) Kotil, Jerod (Lauri) Walz, Laura (Sam) Atkins, Stephanie (Brad) Dexter, Anna Williams, Alicia (Collin) Holmquist, and Zachary Walz. 14 Great grandchildren, brother Warren Williams, Sister and Brother-in-Law Vivian and Don Block, Sister in-law Betty Keszler, Sister-in-law Dody Williams, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Private family services to celebrate Richard’s life will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Memorials in lieu of flowers to honor Richard can be designated to the Hallam American Legion Post 294 or the Lincoln Berean Church.
