Jack W. Williams

Jack W. Williams, age 97, of Reedsburg, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the VA Hospital in Madison. He was born on February 24, 1926, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of James and Pearl (Ward) Williams.  Jack proudly served his country in the US Navy during WWII from February 22, 1944 to May 2, 1946. On August 23, 1947, Jack was united in marriage to Betty Hyames. This marriage was blessed with three children.

Jack was a creative entrepreneur.  In 1954, he built and then operated the Tastee Freeze in Reedsburg. He built cabins in the land behind the Tastee Freeze and operated them as a motel.  Jack also built many homes in the area, including a hanger to house his airplane, as he was also a pilot. In 1959, with his brother, Richard, Jack opened Williams Lumber Yard on the East end of town.  They sold this business in 1973.

Betty and Jack moved to Naples, Florida.  While in Florida, Jack received his Captain’s License and turned his love for fishing into a business. Betty preceded him in death on April 12, 1996. Following her death, he retired from deep sea fishing and bought a place in Minocqua. He spent summers there and winters in Bonita Springs, FL.   He fished for musky in the many lakes surrounding Minocqua and traveled with his family and friends to Canada to fish into his mid 90’s.  Jack enjoyed sports, reading and dancing. When back in Reedsburg, Jack looked forward to the comradery and fellowship of his Just One coffee clutch.  He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Reedsburg, the VFW Post #1916 and American Legion Post #350.  He was honored to take the Badger Honor Flight to Washington DC on October 13, 2012.

He is survived by his children, Larry (Linda) Williams of Greenville, WI, Susan (Robert) Stando of Reedsburg, and Barbara (Charles) Henry of Naples, FL; grandchildren, Wendy (Bradd) Seegers, Richard (Erin) Williams, Betsy (Brian) Genz, Katie Stando, and Matthew (Reba) Henry; great grandchildren: McKenna, Kynan, Madisen, Jackson, Abigail, Evan, Jonah and Ivy; brother, Thomas Williams of CA; several nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends.

Jack was also preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leo, Don and Richard Williams; sister, Pat Bahr.

Funeral services for Jack W. Williams will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Reedsburg, with Pastor Paul Crolius officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Farber Funeral Home and on Thursday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at church.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church or William S. Middleton VA Hospital at https://www.va.gov/madison-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/

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