August Arthur "Augie" Williams

Augie Willliams passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, at his farm south of Rushford, MN on June 15, 2025. Born in Rochester, MN on August 31, 1938 to William "Bill" Williams and Arlie (Anderson) Williams, Augie graduated from Rochester High School, Rochester Junior College, and Mankato State University in 1960 with a business degree. After college Augie participated in an International Farm Youth Exchange in the Philippines and immediately following that he traveled the globe for several months. After his travels Augie went to work at 1st National Bank in Rochester and was eventually named the youngest vice president in their history. In 1984 Augie moved to Blue Earth, MN as president of the 1st National Bank branch there (now First Bank Blue Earth) and served in that role until his retirement in 2006. He was instrumental in working with other Blue Earth business people to purchase the bank from First Bank System and make it entirely locally owned. He remained on their Board of Directors until his death. He was also on the Board of Directors of Olmsted National Bank (now called Eagle Rock). Along with his work in banking, Augie was active in the farming and livestock world. In 1969 he and his brother purchased Williams Hilltop Farms in Rochester from their parents. After his retirement from the bank, he returned to his love of raising Polled Herefords at his farm in Rushford, MN. He received various breeding awards and was a partial owner of a Grand Champion Polled Hereford at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. In 2023, Williams Hilltop Farms was awarded the Golden Breeder Award from American Hereford Association in recognition of 50 years raising registered herefords. Augie was also a member of Blue Earth Lions and the Minnesota Hereford Breeders. Preceded in death by his parents, Augie is survived by his brother, Robert Williams (Mary Lou) of Vancouver, WA; sisters JoAnn Carmack of Duluth, MN; and Carol Ellison (Malcolm) of Vancouver, WA. He is also survived by six nephews and nieces, and thirteen great-nephews and nieces. Friends Steve and Nancy Warner, their children Mark and Erin (Ryan Milbrandt), and Sandra Clow were also like family to Augie. A celebration of life will be held in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1119 11 ½ Street SE, Rochester, MN, 55904 on July 26 at 11:00 AM with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Faribault County 4-H Program Fund through the University of Minnesota Extension, or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com