David C. Williams, age 89, of Rochelle, formerly of Bradenton, Fl, passed away November 4, 2011 in Rochelle, IL. Dave was born on January 10, 1922 in Britt, Iowa, second of five children, the son of Dan and Hazel Williams.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 and married Lillian Schrauth on December 28, 1944, in Lincoln NE. Following his service in the military as a B-24 pilot, he and Lil returned to Iowa where Dave earned a degree in agricultural agronomy at Iowa State University.

He began work at Del Monte (then California Packing Company) in Rochelle on April 1, 1948 and dedicated himself to his job and his family. He was a long time member of St. Patrick's Parish and a member of the Knights of Columbus and the St. Pat's Parish Council.

Many employees remembered him as the perfect boss, expecting a job well done, but always compassionate and good humored. He never shirked a responsibility in his life.

Following his retirement in 1983, Dave and Lil were fortunate to have 25 golden years during which they traveled to various places in Europe and cruised through the Panama Canal, one of Dave's life long desires. They spent much time with their children, summers in Utah, winters in Florida, until they eventually moved to Bradenton, Florida. Beginning in 1994 for their 50th wedding anniversary, the couple regularly brought their family together for reunions in destinations like Mexico and Florida and strengthened already strong family bonds.

Dave is preceeded in death by his parents; brother: Don; sister: Lavera and granddaughter: Beth.

Dave is survived by his wife of 67 years Lillian; three daughters: Nancy (Robert) Menchhofer of Chesterfield, MO., Patricia (John) Lee of San Francisco, CA., Marcia (Perry) Needham of Park City, Utah; two sons: David (Audrey) Williams of Halifax, VA and Brent (Ronna) Williams of Rochelle; eight grandchildren: Kelly, Amy, Matt, Derek, Sara, Tyler, Trevor; and five great grandchildren: Jeremiah, Kaitlyn, Brooklyn, Lily, and Sofia. He is also survived by a brother Mort Williams of Bettendorf, IA. and a sister Delores (Robert) Cunningham of Kalamazoo, MI.

Dave is remembered especially for his humor. He would drive his wife crazy by occasionally answering their phone with "Joe's Bar and Grill."



Memorial service will be held 10:30 AM Tuesday Nov. 8, 2011 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Rochelle, with Father Steven Lange officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday one hour before the service 9:30 - 10:30 AM. Burial of cremated remains at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Rochelle. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rochelle Rehabilitation Center and Healthcare.