Williams, John Alton 1927 - 2024

WILLIAMS, JOHNSON, HOWLAND, THEIS, KROGSTAD, SULLIVAN, RICH, BURKE, MOBERG, GILSRUD, TOLLEFSON, MCGUIGAN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 11/22/2024 at 11:25:29

John Alton Williams, age 97, longtime resident of Brainerd, passed away on Nov. 14, 2024.

John was born on Sept. 11, 1927 to W. Emryn and Alta (Johnson) Williams in Lime Springs, Iowa. He graduated from Lime Springs High School in 1945 and then attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. In January of 1946, John enlisted in the US Navy and went on to serve as a corpsman in San Diego, California. After serving in the Navy John returned back to Luther College graduating in 1950.

John married the love of his life, Donna Mae Howland, on Oct. 29, 1950 in Decorah. They moved to Brainerd where he began his teaching career in 1952. While teaching, he was active with coaching basketball and football for over 30 years. In addition to teaching, John began working at Legionville Patrol Camp in 1954, eventually serving as their director before retiring in 1992.

John and Donna enjoy traveling together, making memories on trips to Iowa, fishing in Canada, visiting California and Hawaii, and wintering in Arkansas. Their trips to Glacier National Park were especially loved, leaving their family with special memories and a lasting legacy. John’s passion for nature, the mountains, hiking and wildlife was evident in all he did. He had a remarkable gift for storytelling, able to recall details from his many experiences and books he read about wildlife. His knowledge and love of nature enriched us all and his stories will be deeply missed.

Above all, John loved his family and supported their achievements throughout the years. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and the visits from the little ones brought joy that was evident in his smiles.

John is survived by son, Mark Williams; daughters, Kristy Theis, Susan (Jeff) Krogstad; son, Craig (Clare) Williams; and daughter, Cindy Williams. Eleven grandchildren, Joel (Susan) Sullivan, Ryan Sullivan, Katie (Albert) Rich, Thomas Burke, Craig (Liz) Krogstad, Marit (Charlie) Moberg, Mark (Tiffany) Krogstad, Chelsea (Sam) Gilsrud, Mara (Cooper) Tollefson, Grant and Garrett McGuigan. Eighteen great grandchildren, Connor, Kyla, Tyler, Mari, Jack, Ashley, Owen, Siri, Henrik, Ingrid, Elin, Olivia, Luke, Eisley, William, Jack, Rowen and Callum. Sister, Suzanne Howard; sisters in law, Helen Estrem and Martha Howland; many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Donna; his parents and brother Craig E Williams; his brothers in law Keigh and Leland Howland; and son-in-law Jerry Theis.

A memorial service for John will be held on Friday, December 6, at Halvorson Taylor Life Events Center. Visitation is at 10 AM and the service at 11 AM. A luncheon to follow.

Memorials will be forwarded to Legionville General Scholarship Fund.

John’s family would like to thank Edgewood Baxter and St Croix Hospice for the loving care they gave John and Donna.

Source: Decorah Newspapers Nov. 20, 2024