Rosemary Williams

Rosemary Esther Martin was born August 23, 1929, in Woodruff, WI, the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Stuve) Martin. Her family moved to Humbird, WI, where she grew up and graduated from high school. Rosemary continued her education in nursing at Superior State College.

On August 26, 1948, Rosemary was united in marriage to Lyle C. Williams.  The couple made their home above the Soo Line Railroad depot in Palisade, MN, where Lyle was an agent-operator. Rosemary and Lyle began raising their family and were eventually blessed with five children. Lyle’s job took the couple and their family to Clearbrook, MN, in 1955, and then to Oklee, MN, in 1961. Lyle finally took over as agent in Alexandria, MN, in 1968. After living in depots for many years, Rosemary was pleased to own her first house in Alexandria. Wherever she lived, Rosemary always worked hard to make things better for her family.

In Alexandria, Rosemary began working at KCMT-TV and later at 3M. She furthered her education at Alexandria Technical College and received a degree in data processing. Rosemary took a job working for School District 206 and later worked nearly ten years for Hubbard Milling before retiring.

Rosemary enjoyed gardening, growing flowers and vegetables. She always canned a large supply of vegetables, fruits, and meats to get the family through the winter. She was always ready and willing to feed her family and guests. She loved baking breads, caramel rolls, Swedish tea ring, and cookies. Any guest in her home was welcome to stay for tea and cookies; no one left hungry. Lyle loved traditional Swedish dishes, and Rosemary (a Norwegian) took pleasure in learning to cook his favorite foods.

Rosemary’s faith was very strong, and her love of Jesus overflowed into serving others by volunteering with the Free Methodist Church Women’s Society and taking part in the local Parkinson’s Support Group.

Rosemary also enjoyed board games, puzzles, music, and feeding the birds. She delighted in sewing and passed her sewing and baking skills on to her children. Her greatest joy, however, was people. She relished going on outings with her friends, and everyone was her friend. Her gentle spirit allowed her to accept anyone, and she showed it by the hugs she shared. Above all, she loved her family; and they adored her.

On Wednesday, December 6, 2017, surrounded by her five children and extended family, Rosemary died at the age of eighty-eight years. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lyle Williams; three brothers, Lyle, Raymond, and Wallace Martin; and two sisters, Eileen Anderson and Beryl Allen. Rosemary is survived by her children: Jill Flateland (Byron) of Arvada, CO; Wendy Nelson (Jim) of Cloquet, MN; Debbie Godding (Phil) of St. Cloud, MN; Cindy Williams McKinley of Shawnee, KS; and Lloyd Williams (Charlotte) of Nelson, MN; grandchildren: Kirsten Sielaff (Tim); Crystal Fletcher (Jason);  Kelly Nelson; Amy Whelan (Adam); Jesse Godding (Alissa); Benjamin Godding (Sarah); Joshua Godding; Micah Godding (Lori); Katie Rose McKinley; Kalen McKinley; Lloyd Williams, Jr.; and Irene Williams; great-grandchildren: Elsa Sielaff and Lucas Whelan; and brothers: James Martin (Maryann) of Beloit, WI, and David Martin of San Antonio, TX.

A funeral service will be held 11 AM, Saturday, December 9, 2017, at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN, with a visitation from 10 to 11 AM. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN.