Fred "John" Williams Jr.
November 26, 1944 ~ October 11, 2017
John Williams passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 with his children at his side.
John was born on November 26, 1944 in Fargo, North Dakota to Fred and Helen (Fredrikson) Williams. John grew up in Arthur, North Dakota and graduated from Arthur High School in 1962. He was active in sports, American Legion Baseball and Boys State.
John attended the University of North Dakota, graduating in 1966 with a degree in Business and Public Administration. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, Golden Feather and Army ROTC where John was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant. John enrolled in the University of North Dakota School of Law, but left to join the U.S. Army where he served two years with one year in Vietnam. While in Vietnam he was awarded the Bronze Star.
John was united in marriage to Peggy Daniels on April 9, 1969 in Virginia.
After working in Minneapolis, John returned to Arthur in 1974.
John was managing partner of Williams Farms, Director and Vice President of The Arthur Mercantile, First State Bank of North Dakota and First Financial Corporation. He was also Director of Agri Valley Insurance Agency and First State Agency of LaMoure.
John was a member of Arthur United Methodist Church, Methodist Church Board of Trustees, American Legion, Arthur Volunteer Fire Department, Arthur Lions Club, and The Community Development Corporation.
John is survived by his wife, Peggy, his son, Fred John III (Megan), his daughter, Jennifer Williams (Rob Parker) and his sister, Julie Barner.
He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Bobby Daniels (Lynn) and sister-in-law, Betty Daniels, grandchildren, Tyler, Jett, Kruger, Emilyn, Fredrik, niece, Jessica Alsop, nephews, Erik Barner and Robbie Daniels, cousins and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Michael Barner.
John’s family’s wishes were to have memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to the Arthur United Methodist Church, 155 3rd Ave, Arthur, ND 58006, or to the Charity of your choice.
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We were saddened to hear that John has passed away. Our love, thoughts and prayers to Peggy, Jennifer, Johnny and the entire family.
Jennifer and family,
Words can not express how you all must be feeling. My time hasn’t come yet to know how you feel but you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
I was so sad when I saw in the paper today that John had passed away…My love and prayers go out to Peggy, Jennifer, Johnny and Julie and all the rest of the families that were so dear to John’s heart…John devoted his life to family and hard work….May he rest in peace and be with his darling parents, Freddie and Helen and brother in law, Mike…..With Love, Patti Pratt
In 1978 I returned from teaching in Minnesota to sign a teaching and coaching contract at Dakota Arthur. One of the first people, among many, was a ‘smiley’ man, with a healthy laugh, and a welcoming hand of ‘friendship. And, importantly, a fellow Vietnam Veteran. We shared a ‘bond’ few people will never understand. I had the pleasure of meeting his family, sharing the classroom with his children, and made to feel as an important part of the Educational System at Dakota. You will forever be a part of my Life, John. God Speed wayne
Williams family,
Our hearts go out to you. brief though the time we knew him we passed some good times and will always remember his infectious smile God bless.
I will always have very fond memories of John at the lake cabin. He was a wonderful host to all the neighbors and included us a lot as kids growing up next door. He will be greatly missed by the whole community but especially his dear family.
Johnny, Jennifer and Families. Very sad to hear of your dads passing. He was a kind man that will be missed. Our sincerest condolences on your great loss. We hope he is at peace and smiling down on all of us.
Allen & Christie Raoul, Fort Frances
May your memories of John lighten the sadness that fills your heart at this time. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear about John. He will be missed by many. Our prayers and sincere sympathy go out to all of the family.
Our many thoughts and prayers to all of you at this time – John was a dear friend of ours for so many years. We loved his spunk and his contagious laugh that brought so much joy to everyone around him. We will hold on to our fond memories forever. He definitely was a fighter – til the end. We will miss him.
Jim & Jodi Spaeth
Fargo
Williams family:Peggy, Jennifer and family, Johnnie and family, and Julie B. John was always fun to run into. He would immediately come over, shake your hand or give a hug. His laugh was infectious. We will miss seeing him at the lakes. Our thoughts are with you all. Carol and Tom S.
JOHN WAS A NICE GUY WHO LOVED LIFE. PROUD TO CALL HIM A FRIEND. I WILL MISS HIM.
We will certainly miss him. May God bless.
Sorry for your loss.
So many good memories of John from our years at the University of North Dakota! His constant smile and friendly nature will remain in our memories always. So sorry for the loss his family is experiencing.
My deepest sympathy to all of you. My heart is breaking along with you. John was always so caring and thoughtful to me and I will miss his giggling laughter. May God comfort you and give you His peace.
John was such a fun Alpha Phi dad! So sorry!
Peggy, so sorry to hear about John. Our thoughts and prayers to you and the rest of the family.
Sympathy to the family of John. We have you in our thoughts and prayers. Julie is a good friend.
sorry for your loss, Jennifer! He was a fun, smart, guy!
John was a truly amazing person. I will always be inspired by his work ethic and his ability to connect and communicate to make people feel just as important as he was. I am deeply sorrowed by your loss. In times like these the world needs more people like John.
My prayers for John’s family. I remember John as nice kid growing up and going to school with him in Arthur. God Bless
If I’m correct, I roomed with Fred in Hopewell, VA while we were both Quartermaster OCS Tactical Officers at Ft. Lee, VA. Sorry to hear he’s passed.
Best Regards,