Obituary: Olaf T. WILLIAMS

Obituary. Olaf T. WILLIAMS. Decorah Journal (6 Oct 1966). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Rites Held Oct. 4 At First Lutheran For Olaf Williams

Olaf T. Williams, 66, Decorah retired painter, died Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Good Samaritan Home, West Union.

Funeral rites for Mr. Williams were held Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 9:30 a. m., in the First Lutheran Church, with Pastor Alvon Nelson conducting the services. Mr. Williams' body lay in state from 8:30 a. m. Tuesday until the hour for funeral services.

Pallbearers for Mr Williams were Melvin Williams, Carleton Fagerlie, Harley Fagerlie, Arnold Williams, Bernell Dehning, and Peter Diederich. Steine's Funeral Home was in charge. Burial was in the Lutheran Cemetery, Decorah.

John Turnbull was organist for the services, with hymns sung by the congregation.

Olaf T. Williams was born September 3, 1900, in Winneshiek County, the son of Sigvart and Mathilda Williams. His education was in the rural schools of Winneshiek County and Decorah Public School. He lived his entire life in Winneshiek County and Decorah.

In May, 1922, he was married in Decorah to Cora G. Fretheim. She preceded him in death Aug. 5, 1963.

To their union two sons and two daughters were born, all of whom are living: Mrs. Carsten (Melba) Erickson, Ossian; Ervin Williams, Decorah; Richard Williams, Rochester; and Mrs. Donald (Juanita) Stegen, West Monroe, La.

Mr. Williams leaves five surviving brothers and three surviving sisters: John, Calmar; Martin, Walter, George, and Alfred, all of Decorah; Mrs. Nellie Fagerlie, Mrs. Helmer Spilde, and Mrs. Myrtle Riste, all of Decorah.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren. His parents, his wife, and one brother all predeceased him. Mr. Williams was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Decorah.