Wilford H. Williamson

SERGEANT BLUFF -- Wilford H. Williamson, 89, of Sergeant Bluff passed away Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at a local hospital, comforted by family.

Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, 6200 Morningside Ave., with the Rev. Donald Botic officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the U.S. Army, who will also serve as casket bearers. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, before the service, at the funeral home.

Wilford was born on May 2, 1919, in Battle Creek, Iowa, to James H. and Nettie J. (Hausmann) Williamson. While in high school, he was active in sports and music before graduating from Battle Creek. Wilford moved to Sioux City to work for Metz Baking before starting his career with Sioux Tools as a machinist.

He married Elaine Schiernbeck on Jan. 1, 1941, in Battle Creek. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 29, 1944, serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. Wilford was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Service Arrowhead, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Star, along with two Purple Heart Medals while serving his country. He received an honorable discharge on Jan. 19, 1946. Wilford returned to Sioux Tools in Sioux City, from which he retired in 1984.

He was a past member of the Moose Lodge, a current member of American Legion Post 662 of Sergeant Bluff, an active member in the Royal Neighbors and enjoyed his membership to the Men of 68. Wilford enjoyed coin collecting, fishing, listening to music and singing.

Survivors include his daughters, Eileen J. Peters and her husband, David of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Janice Tope and her husband, Ron of Montezuma, Iowa, and Caroline Guptill and her husband, Perry of Interior, S.D.; grandchildren, Tammy Hume, Chad Tope, Carey Barber, Bart Guptill and Debra Guptill; and eight great-grandchildren.

Wilford was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elaine; a grandson, Michael Peters; an infant sister, Leora Orenda Williamson; sisters, Lucille Volkert and Laura Lee Weifenback; and a brother, Leonard Williamson.