Ted Michael Williams, 78, of Mount Vernon, Iowa, passed away after a long courageous battle with MDS. The family will host a Memorial Service at 12 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the Local 125 Training Center at 5101 J Street SW in Cedar Rapids. A Celebration of Life Gathering will immediately follow the service until 3 p.m. at the Local 125 Training Center.
Ted was born August 13, 1945, in Hammond, Louisiana to Ted C. and Violet (Barbier) Williams when his father was serving in the United States Army. Shortly after his birth the family returned to his father’s hometown of Cedar Rapids. Ted attended Taylor Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High, and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1963. Shortly after graduation, Ted enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving four years during the Vietnam era. Ted was united in marriage to Linda Cook on April 19, 1969, at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church where he was later baptized with his new daughter, Karrie. He was a proud member of Local 125 and retired in January of 2006. Beginning in 2009, Ted and Linda spent their winters in Fort Myers, Florida. Many good friendships were formed and lots of fun. Fishing times were the best with his buddies, especially cleaning the fish and enjoying wine when they were done. The best of times! His time in Iowa was spent fishing, deer and turkey hunting, gardening, cheering for the Hawkeyes, and mushroom hunting. It was the best of both worlds. Ted passed on his love of fishing to his son, Chet, who may be a better fisherman than Ted.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Honoring his generous wish, the gift life was shared with people in need through organ donation.
Ted is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Chet (Shawn) Williams; grandsons, Kit and Kade of Waterloo; siblings, Patrick (Teri) of Cedar Rapids, Chris (Gina) of Hiawatha, and Kim (Sam) York of Solon; sister-in-law, Julie Weers; brother-in-law, Richard Cook; many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Gene and Betty Cook; much loved daughter, Karrie; brother-in-law, Michael Cook; and sister and brother-n-law, Carolyn and Bill Lutz.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Ghosh and the entire oncology team at Compass Memorial in Marengo, Iowa. Ted loved you all!
Memorials may be directed to the family who will share them with Hope for All and various veteran organizations.
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