RAPID CITY- Henry G. Williams passed away September 23, 2018 at Black Hills Care and Rehab at the age of 92.

Henry "Hank" George Williams was born July 26, 1926 to Reverend Frank and Mrs. Viola Williams in Palisade, Minnesota. Hank grew up in various small Minnesota towns moving while his father was serving as a Methodist minister. Hank played football and basketball, serving as captain of his high school basketball team. Hank enlisted in the Navy in 1944 and served as an electrician during World War II. He met the love of his life, Laverne Tepee Williams, while she was dancing at the USO in St. Louis, Mo in 1945.  They married in 1947 and had been married 71 years at the time of his passing.

After discharge from the service, Hank returned to begin his college education at Hamlin University and continued on at Washington University in St. Louis, where he pursued a Master's degree in Engineer Research. He spent his career working for a variety of companies in laboratories, as well as in sales management. Hank moved his family to the Chicago area in 1963 for further job opportunities.  He retired at the age of 71.

Hank and LaVerne raised their four children in the Chicago suburbs.  Their favorite past times were golfing and their Friday night bowling leagues. In 1997, they moved to Rapid City, South Dakota.  They spent several years traveling between their children in Chicagoland, Florida, and Rapid City all while working part time as a greeter at Sam's Club.  In Dec 2013, they decided to stay more permanently in South Dakota.

Hank had lifelong interests in medicine, woodworking, technology and photography.  He never left home without a camera (or three) strapped to his belt.  He was the most technology-savvy grandpa you have ever met, and always had to have the latest and greatest gadget. He pushed the importance of education. He was so proud of his family. His grandchildren were the light of his life and his wife, LaVerne, was the center.

Hank is survived by his wife, LaVerne; brother, Jim Williams St. Paul MN, Gerald (Lois)Williams Orange Beach Alabama; his children: Dr. Robert (Debbie) Williams of Tampa, Florida, Susan Strub of Round Lake Heights, Ill, Cheryl (Bill Allen) of Rapid City, and Ronald (Stephanie) Williams of Antioch, Illinois.   He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren- David Ogg, Becky Hamilton, Keri Strub, Erin Strub, Ken Williams, Melissa Allen, Marci Dodge, Jessica Becker, Kevin Williams, Trevor Williams, Spencer Williams, Cameron Williams, Alexi Williams, Preston Williams, fifteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mildred, brother John Williams, sister-in-law Helen Williams, and his great granddaughter Jenna Ogg.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 16 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 5311 Sheridan Lake Rd, in Rapid City.

Interment, with full military honors, will be at Black Hills National Cemetery at 1:00 pm.