Leroy Williamson

LeRoy James Williamson, 83, of Montevideo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on June 20, 2022.

A funeral service will be held in LeRoy’s honor on Thursday, June 23rd at 11 am at the United Methodist Church of Montevideo with Rev. Sam Kautz officiating. Visitation will be held on Wed., June 22nd from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:45 pm.

LeRoy was born February 11, 1939 in Grace Township, Chippewa County to Dayton and Orel Williamson. He grew up in a loving, hardworking, farming family and had a love for the land. He was baptized and confirmed at the Montevideo United Methodist Church. He attended school in Montevideo and graduated from high school in 1957.  Following graduation, he served in the Army National Guard from 1957-1961.

LeRoy was united in marriage to Carol Jean Saumer of Montevideo on June 27, 1964. To this union, three children were born, Jeffery, Chad, and Pamela. LeRoy and Carol raised their children on their family farm near Montevideo. LeRoy was a kind and loving husband to his best friend and wife Carol, as well as an amazing father to his children. He had a gentle heart and a trademark “smirk” that everyone loved. His greatest accomplishment was being a Godly husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He took such pride in providing a simple, humble, full life for his family.  He taught his children to work hard, move on from mistakes, love unconditionally, and always forgive.

LeRoy was a laborer of love and a servant of God throughout his life. He was selfless, gentle and a hardworking farmer with an incredible work ethic even into his retirement. However, as anyone knows, farmers don’t “retire” so easily.  He spent several years after his said retirement, helping his nephew in the fields each spring and fall. Farming was a passion he just couldn’t give up.

During retirement, LeRoy enjoyed several activities, including fishing, hunting, traveling, reading, swimming, and playing cards with friends. Even as LeRoy enjoyed these activities, his greatest fulfillment came from spending more time in retirement with his grandchildren and family. If the grandkids were at the farm, you would see him giving tractor rides, riding the ranger, playing games, or simply just visiting with them. He would never turn down an invitation for a cup of coffee and cookie and, even up to his last few days, he would make sure to offer anyone in the room something to eat.

LeRoy is survived by his children: Jeffery (LouAnn) Williamson of Montevideo, MN, Chad (Becky) of Portland, OR, and Pamela (Dave) McNutt of Lakeville, MN; seven grandchildren: Kaylee (Josh), Dayton (Amanda), Emily (Miguel), Crystal, Lane, Mackenzie, and Carolyn; great-grandchildren: Alea, Breann, Hudson, Nora, LeRoy and Harper; two sisters, Karen (DeWayne) Hermanson and Marie (Merrill) Dieken, sisters-in-law, Toni Williamson and Karen Saumer; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Peggy) Saumer; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceding him in death was his dear wife Carol; his parents, brother, DeWayne, sisters-in-law, Betty (Palmer) and Jill (Clem); brother-in-law, Lanny; and special nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would especially like to thank the staff of Copper Glen, Home Front 1st, Chippewa County Medical, and also Carris Health Rice Hospice for their constant, attentive treatment and support through dad’s end of life journey.