Donald Carl Williams

Arena--Donald Carl Williams, age 90, of Arena, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday July 2, 2024, at home with his wife by his side. Don is a veteran of the US Military (Air Force) where he served in the Korean War Conflict and flew over 50 air missions during his tenure from 1951-1956.  Don received an honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant in 1956 and was a member of both the American Legion Post#437 in Mazomanie and the VFW Post #9336 in Arena.  He was born on July 26, 1933 to James T. and Agnes (Carlstrom) in Crystal Falls, MI, and was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lucille (Olin) Byerly, brother Thomas (Grace), in-laws, Delmar and Rosemary (Harkness) and niece, Denise Feller. Don is survived by his wife Kathleen “Dolly” (Schreck) of 60 years, sons Eric (Sheila) of Glen Ellyn, IL and Paul (Jody) of Baldwinsville, NY, grandchildren Zach, Anne, Maya, and Lydia. He is survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. At an early age, Don started ski jumping in the Upper Peninsula of MI on the Crystal Falls MI ski jumping club, and later joined the Pine Mountain Ski Jumping club in Iron Mountain, MI.  His love of skiing provided him the opportunity to participate in the 1952 Olympics in Oslo, Norway as a Ski Jumper.  He also participated in the Badger State winter games as a ski racer.  He passed along his love for skiing to both his kids and grandchildren. He continued his passion as a ski instructor at Tyrol Basin, led the Wintergreen Ski Racing Team and was the President of Wisconsin Illinois Iowa Junior Racing Association (WIIJRA) for many years.  He continued to ski with his kids and grandkids and enjoyed watching his grandkids downhill ski race. Upon graduation from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Don worked as an Industrial Engineer at RayOVac and Ohio Medical Products. He was a Certified Manufacturing Engineer and had his Professional Engineering license and put them to good use at many other organizations over the years. He was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and held various leadership positions at both the local and regional level. Don was someone who thought of others before himself as witnessed by his many volunteer activities to include Boy Scout Troop leader, MATC drafting class instructor, 4H Youth leader, RV School fair, FFA, EMT and CPR Instructor for 14 years for District 1 in Black Earth, Cross Plains and Mazomanie. Don and Kathy made their home on a small property outside of Arena, WI over 50 years ago where they raised sheep, rabbits, and several other orphaned animals from the neighborhood.  Don enjoyed tending to a large garden, fishing, hunting, and whatever the season provided in the area. He was good at Cribbage but bad at Euchre. A private memorial and military service in Don’s honor will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Arena VFW Post #9336. Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com  The Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.