Deane K. Williams

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Deane K. Williams, 93, Moorhead, MN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Sanford Hospice House, Fargo, ND.

Deane Kenneth Williams was born November 29, 1929, in Devils Lake, ND, to Carl and Myrtle (Cronin) Williams.  He was the youngest of 10 children and was the last surviving sibling.   When he was young, his family moved to Milnor, ND, and later to Hibbing, MN, before settling in Fargo.  Deane graduated from Hibbing High School in 1948.  

On July 15, 1950, Deane was united in marriage to Cleo Porter.  Deane formed an instant bond with Cleo’s son Brian “Kit”, and soon after their marriage, Deane adopted him.   In 1952, Deane and Cleo welcomed a daughter, Gyda.  They lived in the communities of Fargo, Hawley, Hibbing (briefly), and made their permanent home in Moorhead.   Often working two jobs, Deane’s work ethic was strong.  He worked for Star Oil, and was also a farm hand, white washing many dairy barns over time. 

Deane accepted a job at the NDSU powerhouse.  His first job with NDSU was keeping the powerhouse running by shoveling coal.  His hard work did not go unnoticed, as Deane earned his way to Chief Engineer until he retired in 1992 after working there for 36 years.

He became an avid golfer during retirement and was proud that he had a “hole-in-one.”  Always wanting to keep busy, Deane taught himself to repair sewing machines.  He repaired over 1000 sewing machines during retirement and always said, “If I can’t fix it, no charge.”

Deane and Cleo enjoyed traveling.  They especially loved their trips to California visiting the redwood forests.  Most recently, Deane traveled to Maui and North Carolina to see family.  

Deane had a wonderful personality.  Making conversation came easy to him and because of this gift, he made many lifelong friends through the years.

He is survived by his daughter, Gyda (Tom) Anderson; grandsons, Jeffrey (Greta) Williams, Seth (Kelly) Anderson, Gabriel (Rachelle) Anderson, Neil (Sarah) Anderson; and great- grandchildren, Caitlyn Martzall, Mason Jones, Carter Jones, Benjamin Williams, Averie Barba, Jillian Acosta, Malcom Anderson, Henry Anderson, Wesley Anderson, Lincoln Anderson, Jack Anderson and August Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 68 years, Cleo; son, Brian “Kit”; granddaughter, Sara; brothers, Melvin, Merle, Clarence “Bill”, Bernard “Barney”; and sisters, Eleanor, Adelaide, Vera, Elizabeth, and Fay.

Visitation for Deane will be Wednesday, April 5, 2023, from 5pm-7pm with a 7pm Prayer Service in Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN.  Deane’s funeral service will be Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 10:30am in Grace United Methodist Church, Moorhead.  Visitation will also continue one hour prior at the church.  Burial will take place in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Fargo, ND.  Deane's livestream link will be available here on his obituary page.