Gary Lewis Williams

Gary Lewis Williams, 75 of Aitkin died Thursday, January 12, 2023 at his home with his wife, Ihleen, and friends by his side.  He was born July 28, 1947 in Brainerd to Lewis and Ruth (Erickson) Williams.  He attended Spencer Country School, Aitkin Public Schools, and graduated from Hillcrest Academy, Fergus Falls in 1965.  He attended vocational school at Staples, graduating from Machine shop along with  plastic injection molding. 

He worked for Honeywell in Minneapolis from 1968 – 1970.  In January, 1971 Gary was drafted into the U.S. Army.  He served two years of military service in the Army, stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. Fort Sill, OK. and in Germany.  He was a crew chief of a 155 MM Self -Propelled Howitzer and attained the rank of E5.  After being discharged in 1973, Gary returned to Aitkin to work with his father in the hardware store, Coast to Coast Hardware. 

Gary was united in marriage to Ihleen Severson on January 29, 1977 at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, Aitkin.  Having a strong, personal faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, Gary served him faithfully as church treasurer, Youth Group leader, Sunday School teacher, Bible Study group leader, Trustee, Elder, and Chairman of the Congregation.  He was also a member of the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce.  In 2007 Gary, along with his wife Ihleen, were selected Riverboat Captain and Queen.  In 2015 Gary and Ihleen received the Warren Potter award from the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce.  He enjoyed deer hunting, ice fishing, riding his motor cycle, snowmobiling, working in his shop fixing things, helping people, traveling, and just being outdoors. 

He was preceded in death by his parents. 

Gary is survived by his wife, Ihleen of Aitkin; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Arlen and Juli Severson and David and Zan Severson; cousins: Beverly Baartmans, Dick Beyreuther, Lou Hirons, Dorothy Baderman, Donna Young, Gladyce Stoner, Lester Fiskness, Loren Fiskness, Greg Erickson, Jeri Gilrath; nieces, nephews and many other special relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be: 11:00am – Monday, January 16, 2023 at New Life Church, 11 1st Street SW, Aitkin.  Pastor Larry Burg is the officiant.  Visitation will be 4 to 7pm Sunday at Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin and will continue 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial with full military honors will be in Spencer Cemetery, Aitkin.  Military Honors will be accorded by Aitkin American Legion Lee Post #86 and Aitkin VFW Roberts-Glad Post #1727.  Go to www.srtfuneral.com to leave a message of condolence.  Memorial are preferred to: Living Waters Ministry of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, Gideons, or New Life Church Building Fund.

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