Russell
Williams, 76Thief River Falls - Russell Williams, 76, died Wednesday, June 24, 1998 at the CNC Unit of Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls.
Funeral services were held on Friday, June 26 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls with Reverend John Wollenzien officiating. Ida Nordvall was the organist, and vocal music was provided by Jane Anderson. Casketbearers were Winton Forsberg, Leonard Hellquist, John Jaranson, Ken Murphy, Hans Newman, Hilary Stoltman, Delmer Rux and Virgil Wold. Honorary casketbearers were his fellow employees at the Soo Line. Military honors were accorded by the VFW and American Legion Posts of Thief River Falls. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. The Green Funeral Home of Thief River Falls was in charge of the arrangements.
Russell Ruben Williams was born on February 27, 1922 in Thief River Falls, the son of Omar and Adlyn (Shern) Williams. He was baptized in the Christian faith as an infant in Thief River Falls. He was confirmed on May 31, 1936 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Russell graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls in 1941.
In November of 1942 he entered the U.S. Navy and served in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters of operation. He was honorably discharged in October of 1945. He returned to Thief River Falls and began employment as a brakeman for the Soo Line Railroad.
On October 2, 1948 Russell was united to Fern Hanson at Trinity Lutheran Church. The couple made their home and raised their family in Thief River Falls.
Russell was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Elks, the American Legion Post and the United Transportation Union of The Soo Line Railroad.
He enjoyed camping with his family and hunting and fishing with his friends.
Russell is survived by his wife, Fern of Thief River Falls; one son, Dr. Douglas (Kim) Williams of Bemidji; one daughter, Debra (Michael) Schmit of Burnsville; five grandchildren; one brother, Wallace (Lois) Williams of Jacksonville, FL; one sister-in-law; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Vernon in World War II; and one nephew.