David C. Williams

David C. Williams, 86, Town of Genesee, died on June 24, 2015 at Angel’s Grace Hospice. He was born in Milwaukee on January 29, 1929, the son of Barbara Jane (nee Rice) and Chester David Williams. On April 7, 1951 he married Bettiann Rogers. They were charter members of Southminster Presbyterian Church.

He grew up loved and raised by Wern Farms. He upheld his commitment to the farm, first, as a milkman and cattle breeder. Then later, as it’s manager, “where the buck stopped”, he cared for and preserved the farm for over 50 years. He created many businesses, developing land, raising cattle, corn, soybeans, and sod, as well as planting and harvesting for other farmers. He built a successful corn drying business and realizing the need for efficient transportation of crops to market started the Central Wisconsin Railroad.

Dave lived to be outdoors and had great respect and comfort in the natural world. He trained hunting dogs and guided with them for many years. He shot competitively in college, and later in local and national trap shooting competitions. He was a noted hunter of pheasants and an avid fisherman. He raised Red-tailed hawks and once retrieved an abandoned nestling from the top of a tree. In his younger years he competed in local rodeos with his best friend and brother Phil, roping calves and shovel racing. He rode his quarter horse Ambler for decades—including as an outrider for many years in the Annual Circus World Parade in downtown Milwaukee.
He sang in church choirs and in a barbershop chorus and passed his love for music on to his children.

Quoting from his 1947 high school yearbook: “Dave’s still carrying the torch for B.A.” and he did until the end, missing her every day since her passing last year. Their warmth and friendliness towards others was remarkable.

He will be honored and remembered by his children, David Lee (Ellen Royalty) Williams of Boston, Massachusetts, Susan (Robert Cervelli) Williams of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Cindy and Russ Hum of Waukesha. He was an inspiration to his grandchildren, Evan Williams Cervelli, Trevor Williams Cervelli, Benjamin Royalty Williams, Eleanor Powers Lincoln, and Ken and Michelle Hum. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Nai-Ling Chang, brother Phillip, and sister Barbara.

A private family burial will be held at Salem Cemetery in Wales. A memorial service celebrating Dave’s life will be held on Sunday, July 19 at 3:30PM at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 200 Richard Street, Waukesha, WI 53189. A reception to greet the family will follow from 4:30PM until 6:00PM at the church. If desired, memorials may go to Southminster Presbyterian Church.