Jeffrey Williams

LIfestory: Jeff was born in Melrose, Minnesota and spent most of his childhood in nearby Freeport. He enjoyed playing with his siblings (aka fighting), fishing, hunting, and spending time on his grandfather’s nearby farm. Jeff always did well in school, and as a high school student he was a part of the wrestling team and played drums. Jeff met Judy when they were both teenagers. When Jeff was 19, he was drafted into the Army and was sent to basic training, leadership school, and then Vietnam. Jeff and Judy wrote letters to each other throughout the war and were married soon after he returned home. Jeff always had a gift for mechanical and technical things. As a boy he liked to work on engines and cars. During the war he worked on aircraft and helicopter ejection seats. After he got home, he went to technical school to learn more about radio communications and electronics. That began a long and successful career as a radio technician for Burlington Northern Railroad, Northwest Airlines, and the State of Minnesota. During his years at the airline, he travelled all over the country. He really enjoyed longer term projects setting up new sites in Alaska, Hawaii, Florida Keys, and Denver. His greatest joy was spending time with Judy and his son Jason. Long summer days spent at the family’s cabin water skiing, swimming, riding dirt bikes, fishing and sitting around the camp fire provide many great memories. Jeff was also an accomplished hunter. Friends often joked on the rare occasion he didn’t come home with a deer that there weren’t any in the woods that day. Later in life, his two most precious gifts were his grandchildren Aidan and Ella. He was happy to spend time with them doing just about anything, and was a loyal part of the cheering section at music recitals, school programs, church events, and kids’ sporting events. During his retirement, Jeff and Judy were able to take another trip to their favorite spots in Hawaii and spent “snowbird” time in Florida. Jeff and Judy enjoyed road trips in his prized Camaro, and the occasional car show. They also realized their long-time goal of building a new home at the lake, and they were able to spend great times with family and friends there. Although Jeff’s life was shorter than we all had hoped, he lived it fully. Jeff touched many lives and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Obituary Jeffrey L. Williams “Jeff” September 28, 1948 ~ January 23, 2019 Preceded in death by his parents Godfrey & Charlotte; brothers Bruce & Dale; infant brothers Joseph & Keith and brother-in-law Ken Asplin. Survived by wife of 48 years, Judy; son Jason (Kelly); grandchildren Aidan & Ella; mom Clara Williams; siblings Alan (Mary), Mark (Terri), Linda (Joe) Spadafore, Eva Asplin and Roger; other relatives and friends. Memorial Mass Tuesday, January 29th at 11:30 am at ST. MARY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake with visitation one hour before the Mass. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow.