Wesley Williamson

Wesley Williamson, 88 of Bristol died on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at his home in Bristol. Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Bristol, Rev. Chris Strohm will officiate. Military interment will be in the spring at Bristol Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday 5-7 P.M. then continuing before services at the church on Wednesday. Wesley Donald Williamson was born on September 16, 1927 to Julius and Agnes (Sorenson) Williamson on the family farm in Lynn Township, Day County, South Dakota north of Bristol near Bergen Lutheran Church. He was baptized and confirmed at Bergen Lutheran Church. He attended No. 142 country school near his home and graduated from Bristol High School in 1945. After high school he farmed with his parents on the family farm. In December 1947 he entered the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Theatre during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1951 and returned to the family farm. He was united in marriage to Barbara Strachan on October 17, 1954 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Bristol. After their marriage the couple farmed in Bristol Township north of Bristol until 1973 when they moved into Bristol. He then worked as a carpenter. In 1974 he was the manager for Bristol Equity Elevator until 1976 when he worked for Elmer Olson as a carpenter. In 1984 he began working as the bookkeeper for Holmquist Elevator until his retirement in September 1990. In retirement he was a part-time carpenter until 2004. The couple also traveled to Florida, Las Vegas, Texas and Montana and also went on a cruise. Barbara passed away in November 2000. After her death he continued to live in their home in Bristol. He was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Bristol and also belonged to the Bristol V.F.W. and Lily American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, woodworking, gardening, watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings and spending time with his grandchildren. Survivors include two sons, Wayne (Marilyn) Williamson of Alvin, TX and Gene (Judy) Williamson of Bristol, SD; three daughters, Pam (Bill) Dylla of Bristol, SD, Diane (John) St. John of Lake Wales, FL and Gwen Bates of Manvel, TX; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and three brothers, Arthur, Kenneth and James.