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Russell Williams
RUSSELL WILLIAMS
Monticello
Russell Edward Williams, 84, passed away Saturday, Nov. 26, 2015, at Crestridge Care Center in Maquoketa.
Russell was born Dec. 10, 1930, to Gwilym Edward and Mary Ada (Roberts) in Williamsburg, Iowa. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a radio operator for three years, but served three years, 10 months and seven days due to the Korean conflict. He was stationed on the U.S.S. Marysville EPCE (R) 857 and the U.S.S. Jason for anti-submarine warfare where he traveled the world, including the Arctic Circle and Bikini Islands.
He married Donna Maxine Lukenbill on Sept. 26, 1953, in Anaheim, Calif. Together they had three children, Robert, Mary Linda and John. Donna and Russell moved back to Anamosa, Iowa, and eventually resided in Monticello.
Russell worked as a correctional officer for one year and as an electrician for 18 years at the Iowa Department of Corrections in Anamosa until his retirement.
Russell will be remembered as a kind-hearted, gentle soul, who was willing to give the shirt off of his back if he saw someone in need. In his spare time, Russell enjoyed trout fishing and being a licensed HAM radio operator, as well as numerous other hobbies that are too many to mention. He loved everyone he came to meet.
Russell is survived by his loving wife, Donna, of 62 years; his children, Robert (Linda) Williams of Helotes, Texas, Mary Linda Williams of Anamosa and John (Laura) Williams of Wheatland; eight grandchildren, Rachel, Ryan, Renee, Rory, Benjamin (Abbey), Shannon, Noah and Olivia; a sister-in-law, Lois Williams in Rogue River, Oreg.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gwillym and Mary Ada; and his siblings, Mary Lynell, Elliot Williams, Stanley Williams, Kathryn Mumby, Lorna Kuhnle, David Williams and Jeanette Faas.
Family may call at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello, with graveside services to follow at 11 a.m., accompanied by military honors at Oakwood Cemetery in Monticello.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Camp Courageous in Monticello
A special and heartfelt thank-you goes to the loving and compassionate staff at Crestridge Care Center in Maquoketa and Jackson County Hospice for making Dad's last days as peaceful as possible.
Information available at www.kramerfuneral.com.
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