Robert R. Williams

Robert R. Williams, 85, Egan, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012 at Stephenson Nursing Center, Freeport. 

He was born on Dec. 31, 1926 in his parents home in rural Stephenson County, the son of Alfred Sr. and Klasina (Klinger) Williams. 

He married Donna Tholen on Dec. 6, 1947, in Silver Creek Reformed Church, German Valley, where he was a member for most of his life and served on the Consistory. 

Williams was a member of the Silver Creek Engine Club. 

Together he and his wife farmed in the German Valley area until moving to their farm near Egan in 1956.

He semi retired when he sold his business to his youngest son, Robin. 

Williams continued to work with the crops and dairy until well past the age of 80. He bottle-fed and raised hundreds of their cross-bred beef calves.

He enjoyed the 21 years his children were members of the Leaf River Busy Beavers 4-H Club and their FFA fair exhibits.

He is survived by his wife, Donna;  two sons, Richard (Shelly) Williams and Robin (Annette) Williams, both of Leaf River;  two daughters, Shirley (Rod) Poggioli, Leaf River, and Lorraine Williams, Freeport, one daughter-in-law, Cathy Williams, Leaf River; 15 grandchildren; one great-grandson and two sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers; six sisters; and his oldest son, Russell Williams.

Funeral services were held Jan. 16 at Silver Creek Reformed Church, with Rev. Randall Knoll officiating. 

Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. 

A memorial has been established.

Arrangements were completed by Burke Tubbs Funeral Home, Freeport.

Sign the guestbook at www.burketubbs.com.