Riley F. Williams

Riley F. Williams, age 78, of St. Joseph, passed away to be with our Lord on February 8, 2013 after a long and valiant struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He was the only child of Roy A and Maybelle (Frasier) Williams, born in San Diego California on September 6, 1934. Riley graduated from the University of Colorado in 1955 with a degree in Chemical Engineering and began a 33 year career with the DuPont Company. He held many interesting positions in the company, but enjoyed his years as Plant Manager in Seneca Illinois the most. He married Frieda H Kuyat of Sodus, Michigan on December20, 1958. Riley was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Although he enjoyed growing roses and photography, his greatest love was doing activities with his family. Riley loved skiing for over 28 years in Colorado with Frieda and their three children; Christopher, Laura and Brian. Many trips were taken all over the world with Frieda and her two sister-in-laws; Emily Baushke and Clara Dansfield. Great summer vacations were had with the children and friends at Nags Head in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Riley enjoyed seeing sons Christopher and Brian playing football in high school as well as watching daughter Laura in high school swimming, volleyball, basketball and softball. His strong Christian faith led him to be involved in Lutheran churches as Stewardship Chairman, teaching Sunday school, and serving meals at the Salvation Army soup kitchen. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Frieda H (Kuyat) Williams of St Joseph Michigan, son Christopher Williams and wife Lisa (Long) of Perrysburg Ohio, daughter Laura Williams of Treasure Island Florida, son Brian Williams of Los Angles California, two grandsons Cody and Casey Williams of Perrysburg Ohio, granddaughter Alex Venable and great grandson Kenix Riley Ortiz of St. Petersburg Florida. He was preceded in death by Roy and Maybelle Williams and son Riley F Williams Jr. Visitation and funeral service will be held at Saron Lutheran Church located at 510 Main Street St. Joseph Michigan 49085 with Pastor Joan Oleson presiding. Visitation will be from 10am to 11am, with funeral service and luncheon to follow. A private burial service will be performed after the luncheon at North Shore Memory Gardens. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St Joseph Michigan 49085, (269) 556-9450. Donations may be made to Saron Lutheran Church for the Riley Williams Memorial Fund. Those wishing to sign Riley’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.