Gerald G. Williamson

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Gerald G. Williamson. Gerald passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 26th, 2019, at the age of 97 at the nursing home in Holyoke, CO.

Gerald was the beloved husband of the late Donna Williamson (Davis). Loving father of Jerry (Deb) Williamson. Adored grandfather to Nicole (Jesson) Salyards and Kristin (Daniel) Koch. And very proud great grandfather to Haley and Eli Koch, and Lydia and Joel Salyards.

Gerald was born August 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 Auburn High School in 1939 and attended Grand Island Business College while also driving tractor for the family farm operation.

Gerald enlisted in the US 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, 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, IA to Omaha, NE. While in Yetter, he met Donna and the two were married on February 11, 1950. They spent the early years of their marriage owning and running a small town grocery store before moving to Rockwell City, IA, 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 30 years managing grain elevators in Iowa, Kansas, and Colorado.

Gerald moved to Fleming, CO in 1976 to manage the Fleming Coop 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 the FH 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, his fruitful tomato garden, his loyal service to our country, and genuine love for his family. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort that he is in heaven watching over us.

Funeral services for Gerald will be held on Friday, May 31, 2019 at the Fleming United Methodist Church at 10:30 with inurnment following at the Fleming Cemetery. Baucke Funeral Home of Holyoke, Colorado was in charge of the arrangements. 

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