Donald Williams

Donald L. Williams, 80, Mandan, died January 10, 2013 at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck.A funeral service was held on January 14, 2013 at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan. Burial was at the ND Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. Don was born June 29, 1932 in Bottineau County, ND to Malcolm and Gladys (Johnson) Williams. Raised and educated in Dunseith, he graduated from Dunseith High School in 1950 and attended Bottineau College. He enlisted in the US Air Force, serving in Guam and Okinawa during the Korean Conflict. Following his discharge he returned to Dunseith. On July 31, 1955 Don took Caroleen Lider to be his wife at First Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Over the next 15 years that marriage resulted in a happy family with four children, Debra, Bryon, Brad, and Boyd. During that time Don managed the grain elevator in Temvik, ND, drove truck for Bridgeman Creamery while living in Valley City, ND, and then managed the grain elevator in Gardena, ND. Don moved his family back to Dunseith in 1965 after the elevator in Gardena was destroyed by fire. At that time Don started managing Peavey Elevator in Dunseith. Don and Caroleen were later divorced. On June 4, 1970 he married Sylvia Poitra in Rolla. They lived all over ND while Don managed grain elevators, most notably in Dunseith, Turtle Lake, and Bowbells. Following his retirement Don enjoyed driving school bus. In his free time Don loved fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed watching Vikings football and Lakers basketball. A beloved family man, Don will be remembered as patient, laid back, and hard working. Very personable, he was a friend to all he met. Blessed to have shared his life is his wife of 42 years, Sylvia Williams, Mandan; two daughters, Debra Syvertson, Minot and Donna (Phil) Miller, Bismarck; three sons, Bryon Williams, Warroad, MN, Brad Williams, Hallock, MN, and Donald Williams, Bismarck; stepchildren, Brenda Sornsin, Mandan, Laurie (David) Huelsman, Marc (Crystal) Davis, and James (Teri) Davis, all of Williston; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a brother, Lowell (Linda) Williams, MN. Don was preceded in death by his parents; son, Boyd; two sisters, Linda and Lenore; a brother, Marlin; stepson, Kenny Davis; and grandson, Justin.