"My Brother-In-Law, Stephen Williamson, who has literally traveled via air, ground and sea, around the World, had to enjoy the many sights along his journey last night. His earned Mileage Trip Rewards, which included some blissful Peace and much needed rest. His body's final journey over this land, will be made this morning via the funeral coach car, on the way to Rose Lawn Cemetery, with rows and rows of well wishers saying Bon Voyage and God's Speed. He will be missed by many. The air has been cleansed to make his pathway clear. So, let us all rejoice and give thanks, for the time the Lord allowed us to share our many joyous times of laughter and fun experiences that we had with Stephen, while he was here on earth. For sure, he has reached the Paradise before us, like most all of God's Children will do eventually, as our paths all lead in the same direction. Our only differences is in the timing. Farewell my Friend, I will catch up with you later in the Sweet bye & bye... Skip Bayless"
In loving memory of
Stephen A. Williamson
August 13, 2007
Stephen Allen Williamson , the son of Richard and Virginia Goodspeed Williamson , was born in Black Hawk County, Indiana on May 27, 1943 and passed away in Omaha, Nebraska on Monday, August 13, 2007 at the age of 64.
Steve spent his early childhood in Essex, Iowa and Fort Dodge, Iowa moving to Shenandoah in 1952, living there until his graduation from high school in 1961. His early education was in Essex, Iowa and Fort Dodge, Iowa. Steve spent one year at the Wentworth Military Academy in Missouri. After graduation from Shenandoah High School, he attended Iowa State University for one year, then attended and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1967. On March 15, 1964 he was united in marriage to Barbara Hess at the United Methodist Church in Shenandoah. After their marriage they lived in Iowa City. After graduating from the University of Iowa, Steve worked in the packaging sales business, working for American Can Company in Wisconsin, New York City, and in Minneapolis, MN, then moved back to Shenandoah in 1972. Steve worked for Milprint Company; Browne Packaging and became part owner in Sunrise Packaging, starting his own company PacTech in Council Bluffs in 1981 which he owned at his death.
Steve was a member of the United Methodist Church, Shenandoah Elks Lodge 1122, and the Railway Card Club. He enjoyed golf and cards with his family and friends, boating with his grandchildren and traveling.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Dr. R. L. Williamson and Virginia Williamson; his sister Karen Bayless and nephews, Todd and Tim Bayless.
Survivors include his wife Barbara; three children, Bradley A. Williamson and wife Paula of Omaha, NE., Julie L. Edwards and husband David of Platte City, MO., Dr. Jill Williamson of San Anselmo, CA.; seven grandchildren, Colten and Cameron Williamson, Ryan and Kyle Gish, Kaly, Makenzie and Evan Edwards; sister, Sandra Gell and husband Gerald Gell of Stockton, MO.; brother Dennis Williamson and wife Jackie of Bayfield, CO; nieces and nephews.
Celebration of life funeral services were held on Friday, August 17, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by the Rev. Carl Phillips. Soloist was Lance Hensen. Organist was Becky Hoenshel. Attending the memory register were Barbara Funk and Helen Brownlee. Caring for the flowers were Mary Coleman, Linda Gardner, Sherry Grebert and Evee Myrberg. Casket bearers were Mark Andrews, Glenn Brownlee, Gregg Buntz, Henry Ciszewski, Alan Coleman, Nick Eby, Tom Gardner and Robert Williamson. Honorary casket bearers were Stephan Ciszewski, Gregg Christianson, Kelly Dennessen, Ronell (Choppy) Doughman, Tom Dworak, Bob Esqueda, Mike Foley, Joe Koski and Tom Murray. Ushers were Rex Funk, Tim Maher and Randy Pickard. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah was in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"To Jill Williamson: Dear Jill, My mother shared with me the news of your father's passing. I was sorry to hear of it, and send my thoughts and sympathy. I hope that you are able to remember the good times and find peace. Sincerely, Michelle (Ray) Matheson"
"Barb, Brad, Julie & Dave, Jill and families I am so sorry for your loss. It is so difficult losing a father/grandpa and husband. I hope you can take some comfort in the words and memories that come your way. Liz McLaren"
"Barb and Family: We weren't close to Steve but everyone that knew Steve liked him. He was fun loving and a nice guy. He will be missed by all. God Bless you and your family our prayers are with you. Dick and Marlene McLaren"
"Please know that we are thinking of all of you at such a sad time. May your good memories of Steve help with your healing and God bless you all. Sincerely, Tom and Connie Berrier"
"Barb, please accept our most sincere condolences on Steve's passing. We know your family will keep you strong, and hope that the love of those around you will help ease your pain at this most difficult time."
"DEAR BARB, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. PAT WARIN HENKEL"
"We were saddened to hear of Steve's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We so appreciated your coming to our son Brett's visitation in 2003 and wish that we could be there for you. Distance prevents that, but we hope to see you when we are in Shen. at Thanksgiving. Tom & Kerry"
"Sorry to hear this news. Thinking of you all. I will never forget all those boat trips with Steve-on the river. He never cared that we skipped school for those adventures! What a hoot! =)"
"It's truly hard to write the appropriate words or to understand why people are taken away from us unexpectedly and before their time, but hopefully you may find comfort in knowing Steve was a special person in my Life and I will miss him. When the Lord calls our Loved Ones Home, he leaves us with a Gift of Memories in exchange, to share with one another to help ease our grief by giving comfort to one another. I wish your Family, peace and comfort in knowing the memories of Steve will always remain in my heart and mind. I extend my most sincere sympathy and prayers that Happy Memories will carry you through this sorrowful time. My love to the Family. Skip Bayless "
"you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers for your loss, may you find the strength you need at this difficult time your life Amanda, One of Steve's nurses at Bergan, 3rd floor"