Fred Williams (1877-1939)

WILLIAMS, GIFFEN

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 9/15/2024 at 18:49:19

From Story City Herald April 20, 1939 (page 1)

Fred Williams Died in Sleep Monday Morning

Fred Williams, 60, for over 35 years a resident of Story City, was found dead in his bed here at 6:30 a.m. Monday by his son Floyd, who was sleeping in the same bed with thee father.

Mr. and Mrs. Williams and Floyd had spent Sunday at Ames at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Florence Giffen. He Had been in his usual health, and when Mr. Williams and Floyd returned to Story City in the evening, the wife and mother remained in Ames with the daughter.

He was sleeping soundly when the son retired and there was nothing to attract the attention of the son until he awoke and found the cold body of the father lying beside him. Death had taken place several hours before.

Born in Marshalltown, Mr. Williams had lived in Story City since he was married about 35 years ago. He leaves his wife, sons, Harry of Ames, Clarence of Minnesota, and Floyd at home; the daughter, Mrs. Florence Giffen of Ames; brothers, Frank in California, and Henry of Waterloo, and one sister in Marshalltown.

Funeral services were held yesterday at the Grace church following a short prayer service at the home. Rev. Bergeman officiated both places, and also at Center Cemetery, where the body was interred.

Geo. Sowers sang two songs at the church, "What a Friend" and "Shall We Meet." The pall bearers were H. H. Hunter, Gust Ness, John Clausen, Nels Laueson, John H. Johnson and Paul A. Olson.

Those from out of town attending the funeral were his brother, Henry Williams of Waterloo, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Williams, Mary Alice and Richard of Winnebago, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Jenson, Mr. and Mrs. Wray McDonald and baby and Mrs. Glen Stitzell of Des Moines; Mr. and Mrs. G. V. Giffen, DeVera, DeLoris and Donald, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Williams, Mrs. Gordon Huffman, Mrs. Max Tevebaugh, Ida Johnson and Chester Martin, all from Ames; and Curtis Anderson of Stillwater, Okla.