Fern E Williams

Fern E. Williams, 96, of Geneseo, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Woodridge Assisted Living, Geneseo. Cremation rites have been accorded and a private graveside service will be held in the near future at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt, IA.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Geneseo Public Library, 805 N. Chicago Street, Geneseo, IL, or you may donate to a charity of your choice in memory of Fern.  Online condolences may be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.

Fern was born September 26, 1927, the daughter of John and Elsie (Willey) Kleeman, in Toronto, IA.  She graduated from Monmouth High School, class of 1944, located in Monmouth, IA.  She married John Willilams on February 27, 1947.  He preceded her in death in 2012.  They were happily married for 65 years.  Fern taught for one year, when she decided teaching was not for her, after receiving her teaching certificate from Northern Iowa University, formerly Iowa Teacher’s College.  She instead worked as a secretary and in bookkeeping before beginning a variety store, which she operated with John, in 1965.  After retiring in 1975, Fern enjoyed playing cards, Scrabble, bingo, golfing, and reading.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Nancy (Dave) Stover of Geneseo, and Roger Williams of Charlottesville, VA; and several nieces and nephews.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elsie Kleeman; her husband, John Williams; granddaughter, Jennifer Williams; and siblings, Lloyd (Mona) Kleeman, Allen Hazel) Kleeman, Lorna (Dillon) Propst, and Dorothy (Jerry) Gilmore.

Fern’s family would like to thank the staff at Woodridge, where she spent the last 14 years, for their continuous care. They would also like to thank the staff at VITAS Hospice Group for their care the last 16 months.