Daniel J. Williams

Ridgeway - Daniel James Williams, 78, a lifelong resident and dairy farmer of Ridgeway, passed away Friday, November 16, 2012 at Life Care Hospital in Pewaukee after a long illness. He was born July 30, 1934 in Dodgeville to the late Daniel and Viola (Gersmehl) Williams. He attended grade school and high school in Ridgeway and was salutatorian of the Ridgeway High School Class of 1951. After high school he went on to attend the University of Wisconsin in Platteville and Madison and received a Bachelor of Science from UW-Madison in Agriculture/ Dairy Science in 1957. On January 16, 1971 he married Elsie (Weldon) in Garden City, Kansas. They made their home on Deer Foot Rock Dairy farm in Ridgeway and enjoyed 34 years together until Elsie's death in 2005. On July 28, 2007 he married Susanna Paull who passed away in 2011. Dan loved being outdoors and especially enjoyed picnics with his family in the creek bottom and going on Sunday family hikes in the woods. He was an avid history fan and throughout the years took several vacations to historical landmarks with his family. He supported Wisconsin sports and especially enjoyed watching UW Badger Basketball and Packer football games. Dan was an active member of the United Methodist Men at Grace United Methodist Church in Ridgeway as well as the UW Alumni Association. Dan is survived by his daughter Callie (Mark) Steffen of Waunakee, his daughter Danit (Jon) Kent of Virginia Beach, VA, his daughter Amber (James) Lester and beloved granddaughter Adellay Lester of Poynette; a sister Lois Short of McFarland, numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces, and special friend Joan Kentopp. He is preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Viola Williams, an infant sister Caroline, and his wife Elsie Williams. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH in Ridgeway. Rev. Rom A. Pegram will officiate. Burial will be held in Eastside Cemetery. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until time of services on Tuesday at the church. Those wishing to make a memorial gift may send it to Grace United Methodist Church, Ridgeway. Thanks to Lifecare Hospital and a Very Special Thanks to the team at UW Hospitals B4/5 who took such good care of our father.

Daniel J. Williams

July 30, 1934 - November 16, 2012