Rodney L. “Bub” Williams
Rodney L. “Bub” Williams
Rodney L. "Bub" Williams, of Baraboo, passed away on February 12, 2017 at the age of 93 and the world lost a great man and an even better husband and father. He was born December 20, 1923 to Hugh and Ida Williams. He graduated from Baraboo High School in 1941 and was a proud member of their undefeated football team and a Golden Gloves Boxer. He married Dorothy Deischer on April 26, 1947 and together they raised 4 children. He was a kind, loving and nurturing father who never hesitated to be of assistance to his children or others in need. He ran the family farm with his brother until1964 when he and his family moved to Baraboo where he worked for the Farmers Union Co-op until his retirement. He was a volunteer fireman for 19 years, served on the Baraboo Police and Fire Commission for 10 years and also provided prisoner transport for the Sauk County Sheriff's Department. Additionally, he was a long time member of The International Organization of Odd Fellows. A man of great faith, he was a member of Emanuel United Methodist Church where he served in various capacities including head of the Board of Trustees. Rodney had the distinction in 1963 of being struck by lightning which traveled through a pole he leaned against while milking a cow. Even though this eroded vertebrae in his back and doctors told him he would soon be in a wheel chair, he defied the odds with the help of the good Lord and a good chiropractor and continued to walk and work as hard as ever. Rodney was known for his endless supply of jokes and would often be asked to share a few at gatherings or meetings. He enjoyed woodworking and could fix practically anything. He was Mr. Fix-it to friends for many years, even into his 90's. Rodney greatly enjoyed fishing and made many trips to Canada with friends and his son-in-law, Denis, as well as other times at the Baraboo River and at Devil's Lake. But his greatest love was hunting and he was a terrific marksman. Deer hunting was an annual tradition and he was extremely proud that he hunted on every opening day since the age of 14. That included opening day this past November, one month prior to his 93rd birthday. He generally got a buck the morning of opening day and was revered by his hunting companions when he shot 4 moose in one day on a trip to Canada. Rodney was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy in 2010. He was her constant companion and caregiver for over 5 years as her health deteriorated and due to his care she was able to remain at home until shortly before her death. Rodney was also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Maurice and a stillborn infant; his sister and brother-in-law Ruth and Robert Lindner; his brother-in-law and wife, Donald and Marcella Deischer and a nephew Ronald Williams. He is survived by his children, Tom (Carla), Baraboo, who served as Rodney's hunting partner, chauffeur, medical and electronics interpreter, and friend; Barbara (Denis) Sutton, Wautoma; Kathryn Mulhern, Madison; Jeane (Bill) Bovat, Johns Creek, Georgia. He is further survived by his grandchildren Erin Sutton, Dane Sutton and Claire Bovat, several nieces and nephews, as well as a special friend, Betty Lou Nehring.Visitation will be held at Redlin Funeral Home on Friday February 17th from 5 to 7 P.M. and Saturday, February 18th at 10 A.M. at Emanuel United Methodist Church with services to follow at 11 A.M. Burial will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery.