Owen W. Williams, 92, of Mukwonago, passed away on Nov. 11, 2014, Veteran’s Day and the 72nd anniversary of the day he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was born on April 6, 1922, the son of Weaver and M. Elizabeth (Carlson) in Crown Point, Ind.
He was educated in the Mukwonago schools, graduating from Mukwonago High School with the class of 1941. He served in the Navy from 1942 to 1945, serving aboard the submarine USS Barb.
Following his discharge from the Navy, he farmed in the Town of Vernon and later owned and operated Hy-Way Mart with his family. He considered himself a salesman, selling everything from a gallon of milk to large oil drilling rigs.
He later served as executive secretary of the Wisconsin Water Well Association, and was active in the U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II, serving as state president. He was a member of Masonic Lodges in Mukwonago and Union Grove, LaBelle Chapter Order of Eastern Star and First Congregational Church, Mukwonago.
He is survived by his children, Diane, Connie Powers, Nancy Ryburn, Robert (Lisa), Gayle (Randy) Hulsebus and Jayne (Ken) Bjorge; grandchildren, Amie, Stephan, David (Leah), and Robert III (Julia) Bresette, Patrick and Tony (Shauna) Powers, Ryan (Amanda) and Christopher Williams, Kevin and Kyle Hulsebus, Tiffany (Adam) Milne and Troy Bjorge; great-grandchildren, Mason, Maxwell, James, Audrey, Robert IV, Lily, Alice, June, Breanna, Jonathan, Lauren, Teagan, Taylor, Harper, Skylar, Savannah, Elena, Casen, Eli, Ryder and Wyatt.
He is further survived by his brothers, Donald (Doris), Lawrence (Julie) and William (Marlys); sister, Mary (Milon) Hutchinson; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, JoAnn; and brother-in-law, Ervin Hewitt.
A memorial service will be held at the chapel of the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove at 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28. Masonic Services will be held at that time. Memorials to Fisher House at the VA in Milwaukee or the Wounded Warrior Project or the charity of your choice are suggested.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the medical personnel of the Zablocki Medical Center, particularly the staff on the Palliative Care Unit for their excellent and loving care of our loved one.
Arrangements by Max A. Sass & Sons, Greenridge Chapel, (414) 282-4050, www.maxsass.com.
I was very sorry to hear of Owne’s passing. We were always proud of his service to our nation and he was proud to have served too. I am sorry that we lived too far away to enjoy his company, but we did get to see him at several family reunions. Our sympathy to his family and thanks and praise for his service.
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), we offer our sincere condolences to Diane, Connie Powers, Nancy Ryburn, Robert (Lisa), Gayle (Randy) Hulsebus and Jayne (Ken) Bjorge and all of the Williams’ family and friends in your loss and sorrow. May God whisper peace into your hearts and comfort and heal them. We are grateful for Owen’s service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service. To our “Brother of the Dolphin” … “Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country.” — Rev. Ray Fritz, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.
Owen it was marvelous to hear you talk about your exploits aboard Barb during ww2 and the respect you had for then capt Flucky .I’ll miss you fellow submariner.