Howard Williams

Howard Williams was born December 3, 1917, in Mankato, MN, the son of Daniel and Mabel (Hughes) Williams. Howard attended country school near his home for his first year of public school and then attended elementary through high school in Mankato. After graduating high school in 1936, he went on to attend the University of Minnesota where he studied architecture. As a young man, Howard returned home to farm with this father on the family dairy farm. In 1939, Howard gained employment with the International Harvester Company and began a career that spanned over 39 years. In 1941, Howard was drafter into the US Army where he proudly served his country in the Pacific Theatre of WWII. He was honorably discharged in October of 1945. Howard was united in marriage to his longtime sweetheart, Loris Roberts on February 14, 1946. Howard resumed his job with International Harvester at the Parts Depot in Mankato. In 1949, he accepted to a position with Bellig and Johnson, Inc., an International Harvester and Ford Dealership working for the company until 1970, when he became a part owner, of the company and changed the name to the Williams-MacArthur Company. Howard, assisted by his devoted wife, Loris, ran then company until their retirement in 1982. Howard life was deeply shaken by the tragic death of his son, John, who died in an auto accident in 1972. Upon their retirement, Howard and Loris moved to their lake home near Park Rapids and later to a home on Lake Belle Taine near Nevis. They enjoyed spending numerous winters in Mesa, AZ, where they owned a winter home. In May 2004, Loris and Howard moved to the Glen Arbor Apartments in Baxter. In 2009, they became residents of Good Samaritan Village - Woodland Campus in Brainerd.

In his retirement, Howard derived a great deal of satisfaction from caring for his lake property as well as golfing and fishing when time allowed. Howard thoroughly enjoyed working with people during his many years of business. Most recently, he had become a member of the First Baptist Church in Baxter. He had been an active and faithful member of the Bible Baptist Church in Nevis where he served as deacon for many years. He was a member of the American Legion, a former member of Lions International, the Lamberton United Methodist Church, and the Lamberton Masonic Lodge. Above all, Howard devoted his life to his wife, Loris and his family, whom he loved with all his heart.

He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Jessica Albrecht, of London, England, Adam (Leah) Van Albrecht, of Breezy Point, MN, Eva (Brandon) Blanchard, of Saginaw, MI, and Laura (Elisha) Dwyer, of Breezy Point; eight great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Doris (Lyle) Jones, of North Mankato; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Loris; his only son, John; his parents; brother, Roger; sisters, Margaret Carr and Peggy Roberts; three brothers-in-law, Irwin, Eldred, and Marion; and sister-in-law, of Lorraine Williams.

Services for Howard will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, July 12, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church in Lake Crystal, MN, with a visitation one-hour prior. Interment will take place at Minneopa Cemetery.