Richard Lowell Williams

Richard Williams, aged 91, of Apple Valley, MN passed away on January 14, 2024 at Nine Mile Creek Senior Living. Rich was born the youngest of 7 children on June 6th, 1932 in Minneapolis, MN to the late Franklin Lloyd Williams and Pauline Caroline (Hipp) Williams. Rich spent most of his childhood at their home on Portland Avenue in Richfield, MN. As a young boy, Richard was an Alter Boy at St. Peter's Catholic Church, in Richfield, MN. After graduating from Washburn High School in 1951, Rich joined the Navy and became an airplane mechanic. He was stationed at Alameda Naval base for much of his military duty. After being discharged from the Navy, Rich got a job in the drywall industry. This led to the eventual creation of William's Drywall in Richfield, MN. After Rich returned home from the service, he was set up on a blind date with Dorothy Mindt. Little did he know that that date would change is life forever! On October 20th of 1954, Rich and Dorothy got married and started a family shortly thereafter. The young couple moved to Bloomington, MN and eventually went on to have 12 children together. In 1970, when their Bloomington home became too small for their growing family, they moved to Apple Valley, MN. In 1967, Richard decided to become his own boss and started his own successful drywall business - William's Drywall. In 1995, Rich retired and sold the business to some of his children. He would be proud to know that it continues to be a successful, family run business today. Although raising his large family was a time-consuming endeavor, Rich still found time to pursue some of the things he loved the most: hunting, fishing, fixing cars and building/flying model airplanes. He also enjoyed time near the water and eventually bought a cabin in Cross Lake, MN and a condo in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. With 16 years between the oldest and youngest children, they have many of their own distinct memories, but there was always a common thread between them - a strict schedule, discipline, and high expectations. Through example, Rich taught his family the value of a strong work ethic. Rich was a creature of habit, always waking up early in the morning to start an active day. By 6:00 am, the pot of coffee was on - an aroma that greeted his kids all too early. Rich rarely missed the opportunity for a second breakfast at the Snyders Drug Store cafe during the work week, although eventually Perkin's restaurant became synonymous for "breakfast with Dad". Rich walked daily and rarely sat - he always had a project to work on. In fact, he continued to walk a mile a day until he was 90. Rich was an avid reader, with a preference for local history. He loved to listen to various kinds of music. As Rich aged, he frequently used his tablet to navigate to some of his favorite musicians on YouTube. Although he frequently said he only ate because he had to, he had quite a fondness for his sweets, particularly Dove chocolates, which he still enjoyed through his final days! In lieu of flowers please donate to Grace Hospice. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Dorothy (Mindt), daughters Michele and Susan, Grandson Justin Simon and his siblings and their spouses; Bob (Mary) Williams., Helen (Norb) Sirba, Gene (Alma) Williams, Marge (Bob) Spurgin, Jerome (Lois) Williams and Audrie (Ralph) Kramer. Rich is survived by his daughters Ann Simon, Theresa (Dave) Buzicky, Sandy (John) Howe, and Janet (Eric) Carlson; sons, Ron (Deb), Bob, Don, Dick (Annette), Michael, and Greg (Melissa); 19 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 23rd from 5-7 pm at Washburn-McReavy Bloomington Chapel, 2300 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN 55431. The Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 24th at Church of St. Edward, 9401 Nesbitt Ave. S, Bloomington, MN 55437, to be followed by a luncheon at the Church. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service. Internment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 1:45 p.m.

Tributes

Richard Lowell Williams

June 7, 1932 - January 14, 2024

Tributes

Richard Lowell Williams

June 7, 1932 - January 14, 2024

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