Dennis Williams

Born on May 6, 1953, in Crystal Falls to Grace and Tom, Dennis was a proud lifelong resident who left a lasting mark on his community, family, and friends.

Dennis was a devoted husband of 50 years to his high school sweetheart, Debra Kay (Nylund) Williams. Together, they raised three children — Tommy, Nicki, and Bobbie Jo — and created a life rich with love, laughter, and cherished memories. He was a treasured grandfather to nine adoring grandchildren, who knew him as their greatest cheerleader and a well of wisdom.

A graduate of Forest Park High School in 1971, he then attended Michigan Tech and would talk about getting there in record time driving his 1970 Plymouth Cuda. Though college wasn’t his calling, it was there that he took the first step towards his career path by parking his first concrete mixer at his fraternity, the KD House.

In 1973, Dennis co-founded Williams Redi-Mix with his father, laying the foundation for a family legacy in business. In 1978, he expanded that legacy with the Williams Mini Mall, a venture he launched alongside his dad and brother, Duane. For Dennis, work wasn’t just a job, it was a passion and his hobby. He took immense pride in his businesses, and his office door was always open for a cup of coffee and conversation. He continued to work tirelessly until the very end — exactly how he would’ve wanted it.

His heart was firmly rooted in Crystal Falls, where he was known as a walking encyclopedia of local history and genealogy. His grandchildren often joked that “Grandpa knows more than Google.” Summers were his favorite time of year, especially at the family cottage on Long Lake, where generations came together to laugh, swim, play games, work on projects, enjoy snow cones and French fries, sit by campfires and reflect on the life he so lovingly built.

Beyond his work ethic and wisdom, Dennis will be remembered for the joy he found in simple pleasures: Friday nights at the Redi-Mix plant with friends, family camping trips, parade rides in the army duck, deer season with the guys, rides with his dogs and impromptu storytelling sessions that drew in anyone within earshot.

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie; children Tom (Jen) Williams, Nicki (Jason) Price, and Bobbie Jo (Robb) Anderson; and grandchildren Elsie, Audrey, Isaac, Vienna, Lyle, Lee, Harper, Evie, and Josie. He is also survived by his siblings; Duane (Debbi) Williams and Donna (Dale) Bowman; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends who will miss him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Tom and Grace Williams, and brothers-in-law; Roger Stoor, Mark Nylund, and Larry Nylund.

A visitation for Dennis will be held on Wednesday June 18, from 2:30 5:30 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Crystal Falls. A Memorial Service will follow at 5:30 p.m. at the church with Pastor Vicki Prewitt and DJ Rasner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Dennis’s honor — continuing his legacy of community, and generosity.

Condolences to the family of Dennis Williams may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.