Francis J. Williams
June 17, 2016Share using:
Francis J. Williams, 80 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on June 17th, 2016 at home surrounded by his loving family; after a courageous battle with cancer.
Friends and family may pay their respects on Tuesday, June 21st, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.
Francis was born on September 16, 1935 in Washington, Iowa the son of Cecil and Luretta (Cordel) Williams. Francis was very proud of his service to our Country while in the National Guard.
He married Mary Ellen Thomas on April 6, 1969 in Asbury, Iowa. Together they had two children and celebrated 47 happy years of marriage. Fran was a very loving husband, father, papa and friend.
He was a kind humble and gentle soul who made a friend in everyone. He enjoyed his family greatly. He was an outdoorsman who worked as a logger for many years. Fran was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed telling his stories about “Big Game Hunting” in Montana.
Fran’s quote to his daughter, Kelly, in his final days was “In this world, we’re all going down the same path.”
He is survived by his wife Mary; children, Greg Williams, Bonnie Williams, Debbie (Martin) Gall, all of Oregon, Kelly (Gary) Laugesen, of Dubuque, John (Shawna) Williams, of Cascade; stepson Jock (Jeanna) Edwards, of Maquoketa; sisters, Anna Fay Nelson, of Florida, Marie (Jerry) Loney, of Dyersville, Jenny Whitehead of Missouri, and Rosella Goodwin, of Cedar Rapids, along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Lucille, stepsons, Billy, Harry, Eddy, and Steve Edwards, stepdaughter Tammy Dauber; brother Eddy (Sylvia) Williams and brother-in-law George Goodwin.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Mark Hermann, Dr. Tony Heiar, and Hospice of Dubuque for all their care they gave; and a special thank you to his son John for the care he gave his father during his last days.
A Francis Williams memorial fund will be established.
