We are celebrating the life, and observing the passing, of Dale Eugene Williams, called 'Willie' by his siblings. He was born to Harry Jay Somers and Ethel Cora Somers (nee Groskreutz) July 31, 1920, in Seattle, and passed away May 22, 2016, in Ulen, Minnesota. He grew-up in Burien, Washington and was the second-oldest of five siblings; John, Harry Jr., Kathryn, Mary Ellen and Evelyn. Dale joined the Marine Corps and served two years prior to WWII before agreeing with the Corps that he was not well suited to that way of life. He had a restless spirit that sometimes only youth can afford. After leaving the Marines in 1940, he wandered the Northwest engaged in a variety of jobs including agriculture, the railroad and mining. He met his first wife, Elsie Bresko in Cle Elum, Washington. Dale and Elsie had one child, Eugene Somers.

Upon leaving the marriage, Dale again worked throughout the Northwest, ultimately working as a heavy equipment operator on the Anderson Dam project in Idaho. He had met his second wife, Rose Ann Januscheitis about this time. They married in Helena, Montana in 1949, and then moved to Fargo, North Dakota, the location of Rose's family. He settled on long-haul trucking as a career over the next 30+ years. He was dedicated to the Teamsters and earned many safety and safe-driving awards and recognition.

Rose and Dale were together about 40 years, until her passing in January 1986. He then returned to his roots in Washington, spending the following almost-thirty years in the North-Central part of the state. He moved back to Ulen, Minnesota in June 2015, living near his oldest daughter.

Dale is survived by his two sisters; Mary Ellen Povick, of Seattle, WA; and Evelyn Curcio, of Des Moines, WA. He is also survived by his children; Eugene Pasco (Marsha), of Seattle; Antionette 'Toni' Holman (Erling) of Ulen, MN; Dale Williams, Jr. (Sandy) of Pelican Rapids, MN; Michael Williams (Lucia) of Round Rock, TX; Kathy Richardson, of Soap Lake, WA; Ken Williams (Jacki) of Savage, MN; and Donald Williams (Charlie) of Murray, Idaho. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rose; infant daughter, Susan; and great-grandson, Noah.

Like all of us, Dale was many things; some good and some not-so-good. He will be remembered as a stern father, who loved gardening, but one who stood firm in his beliefs, setting a tone of strength for his children.