Lee R. Williams

Heaven welcomed with a warm embrace the eternal soul of Lee R. Williams on the morning of Thursday, May 4, 2023. Lee passed at home with family gathered by his side after a courageous 3-year battle with cancer. He was born on February 1, 1956, in Columbus, WI, to Wayne Erving and Anna Mae (Vanderhoef) Williams. During his childhood, Lee developed a strong sense of family being raised in a loving home with 5 sisters and 1 brother. After moving to Princeton with his family in the early 1970’s, Lee met the love his life, Judith Ann Ebert and the two were married on March 9, 1974, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Princeton. For 49 years, Lee and Judy would call Princeton their home and raise a family of their own.

His devotion to others went well beyond his family.  For over 30 years, Lee faithfully served his community through his career with the City of Princeton Utilities Department.  He supported the citizens and businesses through countless projects until his last day. The culmination of his career was serving as the Foreman for the Utilities Department. However, his service did not end when his workday was complete.  Lee continued by volunteering his time with various community groups including the Unity Group in the preservation and restoration of the Community Center. From annual fundraising events that included wreath and candle sales to flea market weekends at the food booth.  He helped coordinate and prepare for the annual Tree Walk celebration by spending countless hours meticulously assembling the Christmas Village display at the Community Center to ensure every detail had meaning.

During his free-time, Lee enjoyed spending his time with his family outdoors. From an early age he taught his boys to both hunt and fish while appreciating and respecting nature.  During the summer, the family would make trips to the family cabin near Tomahawk.  In the last few years, the campfire of the Northwoods was replaced with the campfire in his backyard where neighbors, family and friends would gather. Lee also cherished the time with his siblings where hours of conversation and Sheepshead would dominate the day. However, one would be remissed to not share the way Lee embraced the holidays, especially Christmas.  For Lee and his family, this was the most joyous time of year.  Hallmark movies and Christmas décor made an appearance the day after Thanksgiving. The 12-foot Christmas Tree may have taken center stage in the house but it was his boyish innocence that brought the spirit into the home.

Lee’s memory will be cherished by his devoted wife of 49 years, Judith Ann (Ebert) Williams; his sons and daughters-in-law, Jason (Katherine) Williams, Jamie (Alana) Williams, Wayne (Tammy) Williams and Chad Williams.  In addition, 3 grandchildren Kevin Williams, Veronica Williams, and Shane Engelhardt will forever remember their loving grandfather and his jovial spirit.  Lee is further survived by his siblings, Dixie Johnson, Sue (Thomas) Sosinsky, Michael (Lori) Williams, Lynn (Richard) Sniff, Dawn (Phillip) Metzger and Lisa (David) Johnson; as well as many other relatives and friends.  Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne Erving and Anna Mae Williams; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Ruth Ebert; brother-in-law, Kenneth Johnson; his niece, Danielle Ebert.

A memorial service will be held to honor Lee R. Williams on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 226 S. Clinton St., in Princeton. Pastor John Stelter will officiate. Lee will be laid to rest in the Princeton City Cemetery following the service.  Please visit our website www.wachholzandsons.com to send a condolence or to share a memory of Lee with his family.

The family of Lee R. Williams would like to share its gratitude for the caring support received in these last few months from Generations Hospice of Fond du Lac.  The family would also like to extend a heartfelt and sincere thank you to all of the friends, family and co-workers who visited with him to keep his spirit during this challenging journey. You are in their prayers.

Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home

Sunset Cremation Center in Princeton

Serving the Family, 920-295-6631

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lee R. Williams, please visit our floral store.