Walter W Williams

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Walter “Walt” W. Williams, age 86 of Plattsmouth, Nebraska peacefully passed away on July 15, 2023. Born on October 11, 1936, in Gibbon, Nebraska, Walt was the cherished son of William “Bill” and Katherine (Michel) Williams. His family relocated to Cass County when he was a young child, and he remained a lifelong resident of the area.

Walt attended the Rock Creek School near Beaver Lake, establishing a strong foundation for his future. On October 28, 1956, he was united in marriage to Peggy (Young) Meier, and together they raised four children: Rick, Julie, Lisa, and Laura. Later in life, Walt found love again and was joined in marriage to Shirley Siemoneit on March 11, 1985, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The couple was blessed with a son, Jason.

Coming from a large family of fourteen children, Walt grew up contributing to the family farm and learning the value of hard work and dedication. He pursued his passion for bricklaying and attended bricklaying school in the Florence area of Omaha, becoming a member of the Bricklaying Union Local #1. This laid the foundation for a successful career, which included owning his own business, Williams Construction. Walt played an integral role in the construction of notable landmarks in the Plattsmouth area including the bell tower at the Plattsmouth Presbyterian Church, the Plattsmouth Fire Station, and Midwest Federal Bank and later spent 10 years in the refractory business stretching across the United States. In the mid 1970’s, he embarked on a new venture establishing the original Vineyard on Main Street and then later opening the first KFC franchise in Plattsmouth.

Following his marriage to Shirley, Walt transitioned back to farming and raising cattle, dedicating two decades to these endeavors. Walt's wide range of interests included collecting guns and Civil War-era memorabilia—particularly Winchester and Colt models—restoring antique John Deere tractors, fishing, camping, and genealogy. He also spent many weekends cheering on the Huskers and the Kansas City Chiefs. He and Shirley explored various corners of the United States, reveling in attending auctions and nurturing their shared passion for history and antiquing. Above all, family held the utmost importance in Walt's life. He found great joy in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whether it was hunting or shooting targets at the "South Place", hosting family gatherings, or simply sitting around a warm fire.

Walter W. Williams will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a skilled tradesman, a dedicated farmer, and a man of many passions. His legacy lives on through the memories he created and the love he shared with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Walt is survived by his wife Shirley Williams of Plattsmouth, NE, children, Rick (Chris) Williams of Beaver Lake, NE, Julie (Chuck) Grancer of Plattsmouth, NE, Lisa (Andy) Voss of Mynard, NE, Laura (Sean) Pohlmeier of Beaver Lake, NE, Jason Williams of Bellevue, NE.

Walt was blessed with 12 grandchildren, Aaron Williams, Alexander Williams, Adam Williams, Liz Guenthner, Sarah Kucera, Rhett Grancer, Josh Dillon, Megan Osborn, Thomas Dillon, Brock Pohlmeier, Paige Kouba, Allie Witherspoon, and 16 great grandchildren (2 more on the way), Walt is also survived by his sisters, Edith (Art) Tesarek of Plattsmouth, NE, Ethlyn Spires of Malvern, IA, and brother, Leonard Williams of Glenwood, IA, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Katherine Williams, sisters, Myrtle, and Esther, brothers, Jim, David, Harold, Albert, Edward, Bob, Ron and Ray.

A Celebration of Walt’s life will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 10:30am at the First Presbyterian Church in Plattsmouth with Rev. Mike Wolfe officiating.

Memorials may be directed to the Plattsmouth Bible Church.

Arrangements by Brian P. Harvey Funeral Home, Plattsmouth, NE  402-296-4445.