John Edward Williams, 79, a lifelong resident of Superior, Wis. died Fri., Nov. 15, 2013 in St. Luke's Hospice, Duluth, Minn.

He was born Jan. 18, 1934 to Alice M. (Evon) and C. Ralph Williams.
Following graduation from Cathedral High School in 1952 he proudly served his country in the U. S. Air Force from Mar. 6, 1953 to Mar. 5, 1957.

On Nov. 7, 1953 in Cathedral Of Christ The King, the church they both belonged to, John and the former Barbara J. Seacotte were united in marriage. Together they raised five children, Steve (Laura) Williams of Menasha, Wis., Julie Le Bard of Superior, Wis., Tim (Sherri) Williams of Sidney, Ohio, Tom of Oshkosh, Wis. and John (Cathy) Williams of Waconia, Minn. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Joan (Robert) Phelan of Pawleys Island, S. C.; a brother, William P. Williams of Superior; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his Mother on Sept. 14, 1968; his Father on Nov. 11, 2003; his beloved wife, Barb on Feb. 15, 2012; a sister, Kay Hargrave; and brothers, Thomas and James Williams.

His job history had included U. S. Steel in Gary New Duluth and Track And Trail and Haglund Boat in Superior.

His employment as a Fire Fighter for the Superior Fire Dept. started on June 1, 1961. On Nov. 1, 1968 he achieved the rank of Mechanic/Fire Fighter and on May 15, 1982 he was promoted to Captain. He retired as Assistant Chief on Jan. 3, 1992, a rank which he held since Jan. 16, 1986.

He was a former member of the B. P. O. E. Lodge No. 403.

John liked hunting and camping with family and especially enjoyed the family fishing tournaments and trail riding on his ATV with his grandkids; he also liked fishing with Warren Winslow and Lenny Rouse, snowmobiling with Barb and their friends, and cheering for the Minnesota Vikings.

The Superior Fire Dept. Honor Guard will be present throughout the visitation times and funeral. Visitation will be in Downs Funeral Home on Thurs., Nov. 21st from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and continue in Cathedral on Fri., at 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Mass Of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Ricci, Rector as Celebrant. Committal prayers will take place at Calvary Cemetery where Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Richard I. Bong Post No. 435.

Active pallbearers will be grandsons, Matthew and Ryan Le Bard, and Christopher, Zach, Blake and Alec Williams. Aaron Williams will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

John's family would like to extend "a very special thank you" to the St. Luke's Hospice staff for the outstanding care in keeping their Dad comfortable and the kindness shown his family.

Downs Funeral Home, corner of Ogden Ave. & 19th St. is assisting the family with arrangements.