Rev. Dean H. Williams, 89, Crosslake

April 17, 1925 - November 02, 2014

Rev. Dean Hull Williams was born in Mankato, Minnesota on April 17, 1925, the second child born to Leo and Margaret (Wilhelm) Williams. Dean and his siblings, Graff and Elizabeth, graduated from High School in Sac City, Iowa.

Immediately after High School, he entered military service and served in the European theatre during World War II. He was a prisoner of war from November 1944 until liberation in May 1945. He married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Ann Irwin, on July 6, 1945, a marriage that would last for 65 years until her death in 2010.

Dean graduated from Drake University in 1949 and McCormick Seminary in 1952. He served as an ordained Presbyterian minister for 62 years, serving parishes in Sanborn, Iowa, Madelia, Minnesota, Atlantic, Iowa and Traer, Iowa. They had a cabin on Daggett Lake in Crosslake since 1959. Dean and Phyllis retired to Crosslake, Minnesota in 1990, and were important in the formation of a New Church Development which is now Crosslake Presbyterian Church. Dean loved fishing, was an avid reader, Biblical scholar and theologian. He taught a weekly Bible Study in Crosslake for 23 years. Dean died at home surrounded by family on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the age of 89 years, 6 months and 16 days.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; parents, Leo and Margaret Williams; in-laws Cliff and Naomi Irwin; and siblings, Graff (and Phyllis) Williams, Elizabeth (and LaVerne) Kiel.

He is survived by his children Rev. Lynn (Lois) Williams of Grimes, IA; Doug (Randi) Williams of Columbus, NE; RN Carolyn Williams (Tom Stackland) of Duluth, MN; Rev. Kate Stangl (Allan Brown) of Crosslake; Rev. Dwight (Carol) Williams of Elkhorn, NE; grandchildren Carrie (Aaron), Tracy (Nick), Michael (Lily), Nathan (Leanne), Sarah, Andrew (Brandy), and Sydnie; great-grandchildren Coden, Ryland, Bronwyn, William, PJ, Ian, Ben, and Seymour. Step-grandchildren Wendy (Andrew) Lear, Roger (Tracy) Wolfe; step great-grandchildren Zachary, Alexander and Emma.

Memorial service 11 a.m. Saturday, November 8 at Crosslake Presbyterian Church, 14444 Daggett Pine Road with reception following. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Crosslake Presbyterian Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Crosslake, MN.