Ronald F. Williams, age 72, of Mahnomen, MN, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 20, 2017, at the Mahnomen Health Center Hospital.

Ronald Francis Williams was born August 8, 1945, in White Earth, MN, the son of James and Margaret (Fairbanks) Williams. Jerk, a nickname lovingly given to him by his sister stuck with him throughout his life time. Growing up, he attended White Earth Mission School and later Waubun High School. As a young man, Ron attended school for automotive transmissions in Cleveland, OH, and later Ironworkers School in Chicago, IL. Ron was united in marriage to Pauline Pederson and they were blessed with three sons. They later divorced and he spent time living and working in Washington State, Oklahoma City, OK, and Minneapolis, MN, before settling in Mahnomen in the late 1990's. Ron worked long and hard as a trade worker until his retirement at age 62. He has made his home the past five years at Valley View Commons in Mahnomen.

Ron will be remembered for his hard-working ability and his great sense of humor, often being the instigator! He loved to read and listen to music as well as visiting with family and friends. During his retirement years, Ron enjoyed woodworking and building bird houses. He also spent many hours taking in the great outdoors as he walked around town. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Ron is survived by his sons: Mike (Evelyn) of Mahnomen, Ronald Jr. of Rio Rancho, NM, and Justin of Minneapolis; eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; two brothers, Paul "Poncho" (Carolyn) of Ogema, MN, and Merlin Sr. (Maryann) of Coon Rapids, MN, one sister, Marlys Hammernik of Eagan, MN; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; five brothers: infant Charles, John, Butch, Steve and Lyle; and one sister, Donna Jean Pederson.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, September 23, 2017, at St. Benedict's Catholic Church, White Earth, MN, at 10 am.

Visitation took place on Friday, September 22, 2017 at the White Earth Community Center starting at 6 pm and go until 8 am with a Prayer Service at 7 pm. Visitation was also held one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Saturday.

Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, White Earth, MN.