Claire Williamson

Claire Williamson

Claire Leroy Williamson, 90, of Fort Dodge, died Friday May 6, 2005 at Greenleaf Health Care.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday May 9, 2005 at the Bruce-Graham Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Officiating will be Pastor Stephen Fagerburg of the First Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Fort Dodge Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the VFW Post 1856. Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Claire was born March 20, 1915 the son of Roy Chester and Ina Berniece (Kleckner) Williamson in Webster City, IA. He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in the class of 1934. Claire later enlisted in the United States Army were he served his country honorably during WWII. Upon his return he started working as a welder for Hormel. He dedicated 36 years to being an AA Welder and took early retirement in 1978.

On May 17, 1937 Claire was united in marriage to the love of his life Dorothy Lavonne Collins in Humboldt, IA.

Claire was a hard working man but his spare time was spent with several passions including; fishing for stripped bass, trap shooting whether with friends or at a state or national competition, out scavenging for that perfect rock, or traveling with Dorothy to all 50 states as well as Canada and Mexico. Claire was also quite the marble player earning the title of Fort Dodge’s first marble champion. Claire had several nicknames two of which included Gunner and Carp. Claire was a member the First Baptist Church, Hormel Local 31 Retirees, and was very active in the Manson Gun Club.

Those thankful for having shared in Claire’s life include; his children, Mary Lavonne Hansen of Webster City, Berniece Ina Friesth of Sac City, and Claire (Sonny) Leroy Williamson Jr. and his wife Darlene of Dayton, one sister, Iona Alice Brown of Fort Dodge, 13 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 4 great–great grandchildren.

Mr. Williamson was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Dorothy, two daughters; Carol Ann and Barbara Regina Williamson, one granddaughter; Dawn Denise Williamson, two brothers; Delbert Eugene and Marion Lee Williamson, and two sons in law; Gary Hansen and Gerald Friesth.

Bruce-Graham Funeral Home