Fredrick Opheim Williams, 89, of Mabel, passed away peacefully, Saturday, December 9, at his home, surrounded by family.
Fred was born on September 18, 1934, in Mabel, Minn., to Bruce and Delia (Bakken) Williams. He graduated from Mabel High School in 1952. He thoroughly enjoyed playing sports for the Mabel Wildcats. He was united in marriage to Regina Gamboni on February 20, 1966, in Chicago, Ill. To this union one daughter was born, Regina Delia. They lived in Rockford, Ill., where Fred worked at the Chrysler Plant in Belvidere for 31 years. Together they enjoyed traveling the United Stated until Regina was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After her diagnosis, Fred continued working and cared for her throughout her illness, until her passing.
Following his retirement, he returned to his hometown of Mabel where he helped his brother Rollis on the farm and reunited with old friends. He greatly enjoyed restoring John Deere tractors and spending time on the golf course. It was on the golf course that he first saw Helen (Kuennen) Kuhn; they later married on October 21, 2000. They loved spending time together with their family. Fred especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their sporting and 4-H events. He was always the “loudest” and the proudest fan.
Fred was very community oriented. He took great pride in helping get Mabel a community center. He was a member of the St. Olaf Catholic Church where he served as a custodian for many years. He was an active member of the Mabel Lions Club, being a past president and received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. He was a member of the Hesper-Mabel Historical Society, serving as treasurer for 10 years. He took great pride in displaying his antique tractors at the Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days and participated in the Toot & Whistle Club.
He is survived by his wife Helen, daughter Reg of Texas, and four step-children: Deb Kuhn of Monticello, Iowa, Barb (Joe) Nelson and Marvin (Mary) Kuhn, both of Mabel, and Brenda (Scott) Nelson of Stewartville, Minn., 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, four brothers: Harris (Geraldine), Danny, Rollis (Bev) and Ray (Peri); two sisters, Dawn Stone and Renee Gustavson.
Fred has joined his first wife Regina, his parents, siblings Wanda Carrier, Nancy Mensink and Jerry Williams,; and great-nephew Anthony Williams on his journey.
In lieu of flowers please give memorials to St. Mary’s Cemetery, the Mabel Public Cemetery or Hesper-Mabel Historical Society.
Funeral mass will be 11 a.m., Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the St. Olaf Catholic Church in Mabel. Burial will be in the Mabel Public Cemetery in Mabel. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, December 13, at the St. Olaf Catholic Church and one hour prior to the service at the church. Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.