Irene Williams

Irene was born in the Radi family home near Fisher, MN on September 24, 1931, one of 8 children of the union of Ernest John Fredrick and Caroline "Carrie" (Wagner) Radi. While growing up on the farm, she was baptized and confirmed in Fisher's Trinity Lutheran Church and began her education at a nearby country school within walking distance of the farmstead. Irene would later attend Fisher High School where she played the trombone in the school's band while also playing trumpet in the Radi family band with her siblings as they entertained and participated in local parades. Her love of the arts was strong, and she was a great supporter of her children and grandchildren as they followed passions and never missed an opportunity to see them shine. Following her graduation with the Class of 1949, she remained at home to help on the farm when needed. On February 21, 1950, Irene was united in marriage to Milton E. "Mickey" Williams at Trinity Lutheran Church. They made their forever home on the Williams Farm and Irene and Mickey were blessed by the births of their 5 children: Steve, Michael, Jeff, Sue, and Jim. While Mickey planted and harvested their many crops, Irene saw to it that the crew was well fed. She was a wonderful cook and always made sure everyone left with full and happy bellies. Together, She and Mickey raised their kids in a loving home and proudly supported and attended all their activities including sports, concerts, plays, and other events. Irene additionally volunteered at the Fisher School, helping with fundraisers, and chairing the PTA.

Irene, Mickey, and the children were devoted members of the Trinity Lutheran Church, where Irene taught Sunday school for many years, and enjoyed her fellowship and term as president of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML). She was drawn to the wonderful work of Hospice of the Red River Valley and was one of the first to volunteer her time to the organization. She loved volunteering for Hospice and provided a kind ear and ample conversation for those in her care. Irene also held longtime membership in Crookston's Riverview Hospital Auxiliary, served as 3-time president of Fisher American Legion Auxiliary Post 242, and treasured her many Homemakers' Club friendships. Irene was an avid golfer and bowled for many years in the Women's League and with Mickey in a Couples' League. Playing cards was always a highlight of family and friends' get-togethers. She continued playing weekly until her passing. Her favorite quiet times were filled by doing crossword puzzles, keeping up with current events and the news, and of course, Hallmark Movies!

Together, she and Mickey enjoyed traveling and making lasting memories while visiting the Holy Land and Jerusalem, Egypt, Greece, Hawaii, and most of the United States. Sadly, Mickey passed away on August 19, 2011. Irene continued to live on the farm, until moving to the Summit Apartments in 2023. She adored her children and grandchildren and was immensely proud of every one of them.

She loved going to the grocery store, shopping and being present at social events. She was a vivid storyteller, ready to discuss memories, friendships, and local happenings with friends and family.

Irene's memory will be forever cherished by her 5 children: Steve Williams of Mentor, MN, Michael A. Williams of Springfield, VA, Jeff and Karen Williams of Littleton, CO, Sue and Steve Meyer of Fisher, MN, and Jim and Roxanne Williams of Eden Prairie, MN; 9 grandchildren: Heather (Jim) Williams, Melissa (Jeremy) Klein, Brandon Horgen, Barbie Horgen, Ben Horgen, Tina Williams, Adam Williams, Jesse Williams, and Nathan (Narysse) Williams; 3 step-grandchildren: Shaun (Lucy) Meyer, Joshua Meyer, and Rachel (Dallas) Aune; 5 great-grandchildren: Asher, Ruth, and Ronin TeBay, and Zander and Paxton Huelsbeck; and 5 step-great-grandchildren: Taylor (Taelor) Van Dyke, Kanaly Meyer, and Ava, Addisyn, and Grayson Aune. Irene also leaves 3 sisters and brothers-in-law, Elda and Howard Higginbotham of Renton, WA, Norma and Don Adams of Las Vegas, NV, and Marilyn and Robert Menard of Boise, ID; 2 sisters-in-law, Pearl Radi of Fargo, ND and Carol Radi of Crookston, MN; along with several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

In addition to Mickey, her beloved husband and best friend of over 61 years, Irene is preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Caroline Radi; an infant great-grand-daughter, Jazlynn Horgen; sister and brother-in-law, Ellen and Edward Gillner; and 3 brothers, Leslie, Raymond, and Erwin Radi; daughter-in-law, Janis Williams. From Mickey's side of the family, Irene is preceded in death by parents-in-law, Peter and Sella Williams; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Hilda and Vernon Sandstrom, Clarice and Don Jones, Selmer Williams, Palmer Williams, Inez and John Huber, and infant sister, Mary. Blessed be the memory of Irene Dorothy (Radi) Williams.

Irene's family will celebrate her life with a funeral service on Saturday August 16, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisher beginning at 10:30 am. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am. Interment will take place in Greenwood Cemetery following the service.