Carol Jean Williams

July 5, 1953 - December 2, 2021

Carol Jean (Pedersen) Williams, age 68, went peacefully to her eternal reward on December 2, 2021 in Sioux City, Iowa. Funeral Services will take place Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 10:30 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will follow at the Newell Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, December 6, 2021 from 4-6:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE. A parish vigil service will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Carol, daughter of Gunnar and Joanne (Janssen) Pedersen, entered this world on July 5, 1953, in Storm Lake, Iowa. She later welcomed her younger sister, Diane, and brother, Dale, to the family. She was baptized and confirmed at Nain Lutheran Church in Newell, Iowa. She attended and graduated from Newell-Providence in 1971, where she participated in basketball, softball, track, chorus, and Future Homemakers of America. She was very active in Luther League at Nain Lutheran Church and 4-H. She was 1971 Buena Vista County Fair Queen and led a bean walking crew of local girls. She graduated from Iowa Central Community College Dental Assistant program and worked as a dental assistant in Humboldt and Storm Lake. Carol married her high school sweetheart, Steven Williams on September 23, 1972, at Nain Lutheran Church in Newell. She loved Steve, and in their nearly 50 years of marriage, they supported and were faithful to each while solving problems as a team. While most of their married life was spent on the family farm near Sulphur Springs, she considered herself a lifetime member of the Newell community. The fruit of this union were three wonderful children and four amazing grandchildren that Carol loved deeply. Carol gave of herself unselfishly to raise their children with homecooked meals, keeping up with the home and farm, sewing, crafting, gardening, and canning. During challenging times, she made sure the family never felt they were lacking. She always encouraged the kids in their activities and was determined to never miss an event. She raised her family with a passion for serving others through her actions. Once the kids left home, Carol shared her talents with nieces and nephews. They cherished Aunt Carol’s time and advice. She truly enjoyed time with close friends, playing cards, visiting, shopping, or any way they were able to spend time together. She deeply enjoyed her trips to various parts of the country. In recent years, her great joy was looking out at the water at their new residence by the lake. Carol cherished each visit from her grandkids, especially the special weekend with all the grandkids at Grandma’s house. Special activities carefully planned that brought out each one’s interests and personalities including everyone’s favorite food. She carefully implemented “Grandma’s House, Grandma’s Rules” to spoil the kids without sending them home too wound up. The grandkids knew Grandma always had a snack and probably one for the road. If she couldn’t attend an activity, she was sure to call for details. She gave generously of her time, talent, and leadership to the organizations she served: Junior Federated, Neighborhood Club, Newell Baseball/Softball Association, Girl Scout and Boy Scout volunteer, St Mary’s CCD Board, Friends of the Library. 4-H leader and judge, Newell Historical Society primarily at the Allee Mansion, Book Club, St Mary’s Guild, and funeral committee. She enjoyed working with the Newell-Fonda speech program for years. In speech and 4-H, she loved bringing out the kids’ strengths by carefully choosing her suggestions. Steve and Carol also participated in Danish Folk Dancing in Newell. Whenever someone was in need, Carol was there. Whether they needed rides to the doctor, food, someone to talk to, or help in their home, she was happy to help lighten the load of others in their time of need. In later years, she was overwhelmed when that same generosity was returned to her. Although she often gave without thinking, she never felt worthy of the same kindness being returned. Those left to cherish her influence on their lives are husband of 49 years, Steve Williams; three children, Brenda (Kyle) Klein of Carroll, IA, Brian (Tatum) Williams of LeMars, IA and Christi Williams of Brookings, SD; four grandchildren, Alexandria Klein, Aiden Klein, Brady Williams, Addison Williams; sister, Diane (Keith) Marshall of Indianola, IA; brother, Dale (Dorie) Pedersen of Newell, IA; brothers-in-law, Mark (Deb) Williams, and Dave (Norma) Williams both of Storm Lake, IA, as well as ten nieces and nephews. Carol was preceded in death by parents, Gunnar & Joanne; parents-in-law Arnold & Frances Williams, Step-mother-in-law Catherine Williams; and a niece.