John D. Williams

John D. Williams, age 74, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Born to the late George and Evelyn (Frey) Williams on October 9, 1951, in Oshkosh, he grew up working on the family farm and graduated from Omro High School. He served his country in the United States Navy before earning a bachelor’s degree from Marion University. On July 1, 1989, he married Cynthia Cottrell.

John spent more than fifteen years as a sergeant at Taycheedah Correctional Institution. He found great pleasure in playing card and dice games, especially Spades, Clue, Pit, Rummy, Farkle, and Yahtzee. He cherished road trips with his family and delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, sharing stories and offering them steady encouragement. In quieter moments, he enjoyed reading and browsing bookstores. A bass singer himself, he loved music and rarely missed his grandchildren’s choir and band concerts. He was also an avid moviegoer who appreciated a good theater experience and was known for his practical eye for finding a deal. Above all, John was a devoted Christian.

He is survived by his children, Benjamin Williams, Rachel (Dylyn) Roberts, Daniel (Carrie) Williams Sr., and Grace Williams; his grandchildren, Henry Roberts, Daniel Jr., David, Adam, Andrew, and Eleanor Williams; the mother of his children, Cynthia (Raymond) Emmer; and his uncle, Ray Morris and his children, Sharon and Stephen Morris. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Rhoda.