Service Information
Arlene M. Williams, age 85, of Litchfield, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
A Private Family Service will be held at the Hantge Funeral Chapel in Darwin with interment in the Arndahl Lutheran Cemetery in rural Grove City, Meeker County, Minnesota.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Obituary
Arlene Marie Williams was born on April 27, 1934, in rural Litchfield, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Albin and Pearl (Madson) Holmgren. Arlene was baptized as an infant at her home, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth at Arndahl Church in Grove City. She received her education in Litchfield, and was a graduate of the Litchfield High School Class of 1952.
On June 21, 1953, Arlene was united in marriage to Charles McCoy at Arndahl Church in Grove City. This marriage was blessed with three children, Michael, Mary, and Marcia. Arlene and Charles resided in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and later moved to Litchfield.
On March 15, 1984, Arlene was united in marriage to Cedric F. Williams at Maluhia Lutheran Church in Makaha, Hawaii. They spent their time in Makaha, Hawaii, and Litchfield. They shared 28 years of marriage together until Cedric passed away on September 3, 2012.
Arlene was employed by Meeker County as Clerk of County Court. She retired in 1986. Arlene was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield.
Arlene enjoyed traveling and was able to travel to all 50 states. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, cross-stitching, reading, and gardening. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends.
Arlene passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at the St. Cloud Hospital, at the age of 85 years. Blessed be her memory.
Arlene is survived by her:
Children, Michael C. McCoy and his wife, Connie, of Lebanon, IL,
Mary C. McCoy of Litchfield, MN,
Marcia Haefner and her husband, Andrew, of Crystal Lake, IL;
Grandchildren, Kelly Carter and her husband, Michael, Dan McCoy and Tiffani Berkel, Bradley McCoy and his fiancé, Madison Thiel, Sarah Haefner and Ryan Cornelius, Amy Shanafield and her husband, John, Drew Haefner, Anne Pierceall, Lisa Martin and her husband, Vernon, and Brooke Barnett and her husband, Jason;
Great Grandchildren, Madelyn, Isla, and Lillian Carter, Isabelle McCoy, Luke, Sam, and Morgan Barnett,
Cali Kichline, and Lauren Pierceall;
Many other relatives and friends.
Arlene is preceded in death by her Parents, Albin and Pearl Holmgren; First Husband, Charles McCoy; Second Husband, Cedric F. Williams; Brothers, Donald Holmgren and Allan Holmgren; Sister, Phyllis (Marvin) Johnson; and Niece, Sharon Nelson.
Nancy Larsen says
Sending my love to all of you in this time of all our loss. I have, so many memories of your mom (my aunt) and she was always, so gracious, on any visits. Your family holds a special place always in my heart. I wish I could have spoken to her one more time. Love cousin Nancy (Holmgren) and Fred Larsen, Catherine (Kyle) Green and Chad Larsen
Julie Fett says
Our deepest sympathies to all of Arlene’s family. She was a smart, strong woman, and I always enjoyed visiting with her. Many thoughts will be with you in the days ahead.
Ann Pierceall says
Grandma Arlene was part of my life for more than 30 years, much of which she shared with my Grandpa Cedric Williams. She was one of the throng East women I’ve ever know who overcame struggles that would have flattened others. She made my Grandpa happy, and took deep, abiding care of him, especially in his twilight years. For that alone she will be forever beloved by me and my daughter Lauren.
But as individual influence to me, she was a stalwart presence in my life. Always available for advice, for an uplift of down spirits, or a listening ear. She was one of a handful of women who I most wanted to grow up to be like. If you called to check on her, asking “Are you doing, OK Grams?” Her inevitable response was “I have to be!” That’s because her big heart and caring nature was there for all. That’s who I want to be.
I’m going to miss you SO much Grandma. You’ve more than earned your rest. Although if you’re meeting up with mu Grandpa in heaven, he may just be begging for one of your pies! He always said they were the best.
To Mary, Mike and Marcia, and all those multitudes of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, know that many, many prayers are being said for your loss. And know that your mom and grandma was very much loved and will be missed. God’s peace be with you.
Love, Annie
Steve Hall says
Arlene was one of the women I grew up with in Litchfield who were like “other moms” to me. Her daughter, Marcia, and I have been close since we met in school and at Zion as little kids… Arlene was always very special to me and I was so happy to see her again at the cabin these past few years after I returned to Minnesota. My thoughts and love to Arlene’s entire family at this time.
Tim Erickson says
Our sympathies and God’s peace to all of the family. Arlene and my mom (Lorna) were classmates and very good friends. Always enjoyed visiting with her over the years, and remember a few of the “coffee parties” that I attended with mom when I was too little to be left at home.
Patty (Barnes) Herzberg says
Marcia, so sorry for the loss of your mother. It is so difficult losing our parents. Please know I will be praying for you and your family.
Norma Holliday Passa says
Mary, Blessings and prayers to you and your family. Sad to here your mom passed away. I remember working with you and she would bring the best treats in for us. Be safe during this virus. Norma
Paul & Rose Minton says
Our prayers are with you all. Lots of great memories from North Marshall. Paul and Rose Minton.