Gerald Williamson

    Gerald G. Williamson died peacefully May 26, 2019, at the age of 97 at the nursing home in Holyoke.
    Gerald was the beloved husband of the late Donna (Davis) Williamson, loving father of Jerry and wife Deb Williamson, adored grandfather of Nicole and husband Jesson Salyards and Kristin and husband Daniel Koch, and very proud great-grandfather of Haley and Eli Koch and Lydia and Joel Salyards.
    Gerald was born Aug. 29, 1921, to Wayne and Evelyn Williamson in Auburn, Iowa. He spent his childhood days helping out on the family farm. As a youth, he loved playing basketball.
    Gerald graduated from Auburn High School in 1939 and attended Grand Island Business College while also driving tractor for the family farm operation.
    Gerald enlisted in the U.S. Army in August of 1942. He served in the 157th Infantry of the 45th Thunderbird Division throughout Europe, including Italy, France and Germany. He was awarded a bronze star for his heroic service in a combat zone, the Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and wore six bronze battle participation stars on his European Theater Ribbon. He also was awarded the bronze arrowhead for participation in the invasions of Sicily, Salerno and southern France. Gerald served his country until September of 1945.
    After returning home from the service, Gerald drove truck, hauling cattle from Yetter, Iowa, to Omaha, Nebraska. While in Yetter he met Donna, and the two were married Feb. 11, 1950. They spent the early years of their marriage owning and running a small-town grocery store before moving to Rockwell City, Iowa, where Gerald took a job as an assistant grain elevator manager. In June of 1955, they welcomed their son, Jerry, into the world. Gerald spent the better part of 30 years managing grain elevators in Iowa, Kansas and Colorado.
    Gerald moved to Fleming in 1976 to manage the Fleming Co-op Elevator and remained in this job until his retirement nearly a decade later. Gerald remained active in the Fleming community, serving in the local VFW, on the city council and on the board at F&H Golf Course.
    In October 2016, Gerald moved to the assisted living facility in Holyoke to be closer to his family and remained living there until his passing.
    Gerald will be forever remembered for his contagious smile and laugh, unbeatable pitch hand, fruitful tomato garden, loyal service to our country and genuine love for his family. Although his family’s hearts are heavy, they celebrate his life and find comfort that he is in heaven watching over them.
    Funeral services for Gerald were held May 31 at Fleming United Methodist Church, with inurnment following at the Fleming Cemetery.