David R. Williamson

MISSOULA ~ David R. Williamson, age 88, of Missoula, Montana, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, December 14, 2025. He was born January 17, 1937, in New Haven, CT to the late Ivan and Beulah Williamson.

David graduated from Madison West High School, Madison, Wisconsin. After 2 years at Colorado College where he was a member of the baseball team, Sigma Chi fraternity and Army ROTC, he transferred to the University of Wisconsin. He earned a Bachelor of Science with a History major and was awarded the title of Distinguished Military Graduate. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1964. In 1971 he was honorably discharged from the Army as captain.

In the summer of 1963, he met his future wife, Judith Barton. They were married June 20, 1964, and were together for 61 years. Daughter Julie Ann was born in Wausau, Wisconsin, in 1967, and son Michael Edward was born in Dixon, Illinois, in 1971.

After working for law firms in Wisconsin and Illinois, David established a private law practice in Dixon, Illinois. He remained a sole practitioner for over 30 years. He worked hard for his clients and continued to serve them until his retirement in 1999.

David was a devoted family man, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He supported his children and grandchildren with attendance at their games, activities, graduations, and piano performances. He spent time with them, playing tennis, going for walks, doing puzzles and playing board games. He loved canoeing, fishing and swimming with family at a quarry outside of town.

David was always active, playing tennis, swimming, working in the yard, riding his bike, taking daily walks. He liked to travel and enjoyed vacations with family and friends. He attended the theater and band concerts. He was an avid reader, and in later years listened to books on his iPad. He was a life-long fan of Wisconsin football and basketball.

David is survived by his wife, Judith; daughter Julie (Troy) Schick and son Michael (Sara) Williamson. Further survived by grandchildren Jessica (Trevor) Monnier, Joshua (Ginny )Schick, Sebastian Williamson, Lincoln Williamson and great grandsons Ivan Monnier and Hudson Schick, cousin Barbara Stillman and Sister-in-law JoAnn (Randy)Steffens.

David was preceded in death by his parents and brother John.

Burial will be at a later date in Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon, Illinois. A Celebration of Life will follow.