Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church.
Service: Funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church, Canton, SD.
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Lester Williams, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Sanford Canton-Inwood Hospital. Funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church in Canton, South Dakota. Visitation, with family present, will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, also at the church.
Lester was born on November 15, 1933, in Hawarden, Iowa, to Monroe and Florence Eleanor (Wenbourne) Williams. He attended school in Hudson and Canton, South Dakota. From a young age, Lester learned the value of hard work, a principle that would define his entire life. He proudly served his country as a member of the South Dakota Army National Guard from 1950 to 1957.
On December 12, 1953, Lester married Irene Middendorp. Their marriage of 66 years was marked by love, loyalty, and a life built side by side. Lester cherished Irene, and everything he built—his work, his home, and his legacy—was rooted in his love for her and their family. Together, they farmed near Sioux Falls before settling on a farm south of Canton in 1960, where they raised their family and spent most of their lives.
Lester was a farmer at heart and worked the land for more than 70 years, raising cattle, pigs, and chickens. His work ethic extended far beyond the farm. He worked for Henry Carlson Construction, spent 31 years at John Morrell & Co., and drove truck for Souvignier’s for 30 years. Retirement was never part of Lester’s vocabulary—he worked until the very end of his life. Remarkably, even at the age of 89, he was still building houses, proving that hard work was not just what he did, but who he was.
Lester battled cancer for nearly nine years and remained strong and hard-working until the end. Strong as an ox, he continued to show up each day, determined to keep working, providing, and living life on his own terms.
Lester did more than work hard himself—he passed those values on. He taught his kids how to work hard, showing them the importance of showing up, doing the job right, and taking pride in honest labor. Through his example, he instilled a strong work ethic that will continue to shape his family for generations to come.
Above all else, Lester loved his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a grandfather who cherished time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for his steady presence, his strength, his quiet determination, his love for green tractors and red pickups, and for a life lived with integrity, humility, and purpose.
Lester is survived by his sons, Steve (Deb) Williams and Jeff Williams; grandchildren, Racheal (Steve) Clay, Jody Williams (Jason), Steve (Loralie) Williams, Mindy Williams, and Verlyn (Anje) Williams; 17 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; special niece, Laurie Wiebe; along with numerous extended relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 66 years, Irene; and his siblings, Harlan Williams, Duane Williams, Dale Williams, Lucinda Schoellerman, Viola Tatum, Shirley Grotewald, Wanda Pinkstoph, and Harvey Williams.
Steve and family,
I offer my sincere sympathy to you on the loss of your dad and grandpa. Keep the memories and pictures close.
I am so sorry to the Williams family. Especially Mindy I’m always here for you. No matter what you need.
I am so sorry to the Williams family especially Mindy always here for you, lady
Steve and Jeff, our hearts go out to you and your family…
R.I.P. Uncle Lester you will be missed by all. So sorry for your loss Steve and Jeff your in my thoughts and prayers
What an incredibly special man! Will never forget his laugh when I would torment Irene with the hugs she loved so much… Our hearts go out to all of you!
Steve, Jeff, Deb, Mindy, Jody, Racheal, Steve, Verlyn, and all the grands.
Lester’s smile and laughter will be greatly missed by so very many. There are no words that make this easier. Sending you hugs.
So sorry Williams family.
Lester was the kindest farmer to visit the USDA-FSA during my employment there. He left a great lineage and I knew there was a great story of his life. Blessings to his family! He will be missed.
Know that Lester will be a hallmark in my memories. He passes on to his heavenly home to be with all the family.
Steve and family so sorry to hear of Lester’s passing, he will be missed.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Lester. I always enjoyed talking with him. He will be missed.
Sending love with all my heart for Uncle Les. Hugs to the family, Steve and Jeff. Love from Lori.
he was a great man so sorry hear that he has past away I call leaving in the old farm house he owned with my parents as a very young child. use to see in check his cattle daily back then but that was well years ago. hugs to all of the family Steve and Deb and Jeff and family
So sorry to hear of Lester’s passing Mac and Carol
McEntee
Yes you were a world class person sir God Bless
To the Williams family, I am so sorry for your loss and I am praying for you all during this trying time. I wish I could be there.
So sorry for your loss. Lester was such a kind person—always a gentle smile on his face. My deepest sympathies and condolences to your family.
You are all in my thoughts. So sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Lester
To the William families, so sorry for your loose loss of your father, grandfather, great grandfather. Cherish the memories.
We are so sorry to hear of Lester’s passing. He was truly a wonderful man! RIP
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Lester. He was truly a wonderful man.
Steve, Jeff and family, you have my sincere condolences. I always respected the tough-as-nails – Lester! Rest in peace, Lester.