Merle Williamson

Merle Raymond Williamson, age 86 of Waseca, died in the early afternoon of Friday, July 4, 2025 at the New Richland Care Center.

 

Merle was born at St. Olaf Hospital in Austin on March 16, 1939 to parents Roy and Maxine (Carlson) Williamson.  He graduated from the Claremont School District before serving his country in the United States Army.  He was married to Alice Stiles in November 1968.  They later divorced.  Merle was married to Janette Eichhorst in November of 1995.  A lifelong resident of southern Minnesota, Merle lived near Claremont, Hope, Owatonna, and Waseca.  In addition to working on the farm over the years, he had a 32-year career at the Owatonna Tool Company where he began as a machinist and retired as a supervisor.

 

Merle is survived by his wife of nearly thirty years, Janette Williamson of Waseca; son Randy Williamson of Waseca; daughter Lori Williamson of Owatonna; step-children Rob (Daryl) Stiles of Brainerd, Brian Stiles of Owatonna, Jeff (Christine) Eichhorst of St. Paul, Julie (Paul) Evans of North Mankato, and Jodi (Robert) Passer of Wells; fifteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and a sister, Eleanor (Jack) Wycoff of Finland, MN.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a son; a great-grandson; and a nephew.

 

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Waseca, with Rev. Eric Ishimaru officiating.  Visitation was held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.  Interment followed at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.  Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca handled the arrangements.  dsofuneral.com.