Steven Douglas Williams

Steven Douglas Williams, 74, of New London, died Tuesday, July 7th at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. His brief celebration of life will be at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, July 15th at Peace Lutheran Church in New London. Visitation will be from 1-3:00 pm at the church. Interment will be at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Memorials are preferred to Kandiyohi County Special Olympics, Wild Haven Sportsman’s Club, or Little Crow Country Club Memorial Fund. Steve’s family requests that you dress casually for his service. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org

Steven Douglas Williams was born on August 15, 1951, to Arthur and Evelyn (Marholz) Williams in Sedro Woolley, WA. He grew up in Sedro Woolley before moving with his family to Sacred Heart, while he was in the sixth grade. Steve graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1969.

On October 30, 1970, Steve enlisted in the United States Army. He served honorably until his discharge on September 14, 1973.

On August 23, 1975, Steve was united in marriage to Coreen Kaddatz at Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos. They made their home in Annandale while Steve attended St. Cloud State University, where he earned his degree in Special Education.

After graduating, Steve and Coreen moved to Washington where they were blessed with two daughters, Alison and Ashley. Steve taught for one year then worked as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Anacortes, WA. Steve also served in the Air Force Reserves and retired with 26 years of military service.

In 1985, Steve and his family moved to Willmar, where he began teaching Special Education. He taught for the next 25 years and enjoyed getting to know his students and building relationships with them. He also coached junior high wrestling and helped with Special Olympics.

Steve valued the friendships he made, and those friendships lasted throughout his life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, crabbing, golfing, camping, and cooking.

Steve retired from teaching in 2011. In retirement, he and Coreen wintered in Green Valley, AZ, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their home on Eagle Lake.

Steve will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandpa, and friend.

Steve is survived by his wife, Coreen of New London; daughters: Alison (Justin) Heying of San Tan Valley, AZ, and Ashley (Jesse) Thorson of New London; grandchildren: Owen and Noah Heying and Caden and Raelyn Thorson; siblings: Patti Williams, Paula Sager, Wayne (Pat) Williams, Phyllis Kilmer, and Bill (Fell) Williams; sister-in-law, Patricia Williams. He is also survived by other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Michael Williams and niece, Nicole Williams.      

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