"I was a patient of Dr. Williams for several years and really appreciated the work we did together. I was saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family."
In loving memory of
Dr. Donald Edward Williams
October 2, 1957 - March 17, 2019
Dr. Donald Edward Williams, 61, of Rochester, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2019.
Donald was born October 2, 1957 in Brooklyn, NY to Edward and Joan (Held)Williams. In 1972, he moved with his family to Minnesota where he was a graduate of Wayzata High School. Donald went on to receive his Bachelors Degree in psychology and biology from Hope College in Holland, MI. He then continued his education, receiving his Masters in psychology from the University of Georgia, served his Fellowship at University of Alabama Birmingham and received his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Florida. Donald then went back to obtain his MBA from the Carlson School of Management. He enjoyed boating, going to horse races, especially the Kentucky Derby each year and deep sea fishing, which took him all around the world. Donald's enthusiasm for lacrosse was evident from his high school days, on to coaching his children and finally being a lacrosse coach at John Marshall. He had a love for cooking and entertaining family and friends. Donald was a boisterous, fun loving man. He was professional, passionate about life and his family, loyal and generous with his time for others. Above all, he loved his family.
Donald is survived by his children, D'Angello (Lizzy) Williams, Brooklyn Williams, August Williams, Patrek Williams and Julius Williams; granddaughter, Evelyn; sisters, Debbie (Bruce) Jergenson, Diana (Dennis) McClay, Dawn (John) Cowle; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Joan.
A funeral celebrating Donald's life will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2019 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in memory of Donald.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Williams family; special memories and condolence may be left for the family by visiting www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"My deepest sympathies go to the family of Don Williams. Don was one of my alums from the U of MN Carlson School's Executive MBA Program. What a kind, caring, smart and fun loving person. It was a pleasure to have him as a student. I always enjoyed our chats between classes. Kathryn Carlson, Emeritus Assistant Dean, MBA Programs, Carlson School, U of MN "
"I?ve been a patient of Don?s for the past several months, I?m very sorry for his loss. An Army combat veteran of Iraq/Afghanistan, Don was helping me with PTSD. He talked fondly of his son in the Air Force and how proud he was of his son?s service. Even though we didn?t get a chance to finish, we got close. I didn?t get a chance to shake his hand one last time and tell him I genuinely appreciated his help and counsel, how it?s made me a better father, husband, human being, and how I just can?t thank him enough for just being a good dude that took the time to understand me and impart with me tools to help me for the rest of my life. Thank you Don. "
"I was department chair at UAB when Don joined our doctoral program in medical psychology. I was a young chair and Don became a good friend along with other graduates students in Don's class: Paul Blanton, Brian Connell, etc. He was a bright, wonderful, and very cool young man. He was also a great softball player and our co-ed team won many games and a few championships. He help make my early years as chair manageable and a lot of fun. I have missed him a lot since he left UAB. His passing at such a young age breaks my heart."
"Don helped me tremendously during a physically and emotionally challenging time in my life. And although he helped me work through a particularly acute need, he also equipped me with skills that I will use for the rest of my days. He truly made a positive and lasting impact on my life for which I am forever grateful. I know he impacted so many others in similar ways and will be missed."
"I worked with Don at Mayo Clinic. I so enjoyed working with him. He was a joyful, kind, compassionate man that truly wanted the best for his patients. I am saddened to hear of his passing and want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to all of you. I know how much he will be missed. Vicki Christenson"
"I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed him and appreciate the knowledge he gave me. He helped me tremendously!"
"We are heartbroken and saddened by Don?s passing. Prayers and condolences to all of you! I was fortunate to have spent many hours on the Lacrosse field coaching with Don over the last 12 years. Please know that Don enriched so many of our youth in their development years with his positive, competitive and fun-loving spirit. He always had a way of putting things in perspective at critical moments and always greeted everyone with a smile and personalized greeting. As we celebrate Don?s life, please know that his spirit will live on with the many youth that he helped to shape into men. We are thinking of you all and send our love, Max from college in Michigan, and Shelly & I from Washington State. Will certainly be giving a cheers from the mountaintops to Don in the heavens soon. Brad Jones & Family"
"Donald will always hold a special place in my heart! He was my first true love during my years at Hope College. He was a ?Bobby Sherman? heartthrob and a lot of fun! Though we had a rather feisty relationship at times he was, and sounds like he remained, a great guy!! I was hoping to see him in April at our 40th Hope College Reunion but will be remembering him with his friends instead. We will raise a toast to Don! My deepest sympathies and prayers to the whole family. Psalm 34:18-The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
"I am so sorry to learn of your loss. I worked with Don at Mayo Clinic several years ago. I have several fond memories of him. He was a great mentor to me. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Stephanie Hansel "
"Your Father will be surely missed by his neighbors of Interlachen! We were blessed to know Don, and his family?and interact with his Children! Rest In Peace knowing he is loved - sincere sympathies, Lorra and David, Katrina and Triston Carrow"