Allen Carl Williams

Allen Carl Williams

Allen Carl Williams, age 80, of Virginia, Minn., passed away peacefully at his home on November 24, 2025, surrounded by the family he cherished.

Born to Arvo and Andrea (Edberg) Williams and raised in Virginia, Allen (Al) learned early the value of hard work and service to others. In high school, he excelled as a star basketball player. Outside of school, he served as a chauffeur for the city clerk, his first real job, which required not only driving but the physical labor of carrying the clerk wherever he needed to go. It was a responsibility Al embraced with humility, humor, and a deep sense of duty. Al's dedication and hard work on the basketball court (and towering 6'7" height) earned him an athletic scholarship to the University of Minnesota – Morris. After graduating with a teaching degree, he expected to enter the classroom, but life led him down an unexpected and fulfilling path. While waiting for his teaching license, he began working temporarily for his father-in-law at Pohaki Lumber, a local business that would become a lifelong home. That "temporary" job evolved into a permanent and beloved family business and career spanning decades, now continuing into its fourth generation. Even well into retirement, Al could be found at Pohaki, always ready for any odd job or helping hand that was needed, hoping to find a sweet treat in return. His dedication, reliability, and quiet strength left a lasting imprint on everyone who worked beside him.

Al also contributed his time to various professional and community organizations including an appointment as president of the Northwestern Lumber Association, Rotary International, the Elk's Lodge, and the Virginia Gun Club and Rifle Range.

Al was also an adventurer at heart. A certified scuba diver and part owner of Tall Pine Scuba and Lessons, he explored the waters of the Caribbean Sea and South Pacific including Hawaii and Bora Bora. Whether discovering vibrant reefs or teaching others to dive, he found deep joy beneath the waves. Closer to home, Al was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing in various destinations across the U.S and Canada. At home, Al was happiest working with his hands. A lifelong builder and creator, he remodeled the family home (which was also his childhood home) and built a cherished cabin on Lake Vermilion, places that continue to hold generations of memories. His craftsmanship reflected who he was: steady, thoughtful, and always willing to put in the effort to make something better.

Al was preceded in death by his parents Arvo and Andrea Willams, brother Eric Williams, in-laws Steve and Blanche Pogorelce, beloved grandmother Anna Edberg, brother-in-law Art Jytyla, and nephew Steve Jytyla.

Allen is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Mary; his children: Rick Williams of Nashville, Tennessee and Heather (Brandon) Seppala of Virginia; his beloved grandchildren: Alli, Brady, Ava, and Haylie all of Virginia; his brother John (Jean) Williams of Solway, Minnesota; sister-in-law Judy Jytyla; and nieces: Molly Minervino and Amy Stepan. He carried immense pride in his family, and they were the center of his life.

Funeral services will be held at United Methodist Church in Virginia at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, with visitation one hour before the service. The family invites all to gather following the service at the Virginia Elks Club for a celebration of life. Private interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to East Range Hospice, Rock Ridge Construction Club, or the Lake Vermilion Association, organizations that reflect Al's passions and values. Al will be remembered for his kindness, his craftsmanship, his humor, and his unwavering commitment to the people and places he loved. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the structures he built, the waters he explored, and the community he strengthened through a lifetime of humble service.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please visit: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.