Donald Lee Williams

Donald Lee Williams, age 81, of Lake Crystal, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato following a brief illness.

Funeral service will be held at 11am, Thursday, February 26, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church in Lake Crystal with visitation one hour prior. Military honors will be provided by the Lake Crystal American Legion Post 294. Private family graveside service will take place at Lake Crystal Cemetery at a later date. Please share a memory of Don and view his service livestreamed at www.mankatomortuary.com

Donald was born September 4, 1944 in Mankato to John B. and Nettie O’Neita (Raines) Williams. He graduated from Lake Crystal High School and was drafted into the U.S. Army on July 7, 1965 during the Vietnam War. He earned the Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter (Rifle), Vietnamese Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device before being honorarily discharged on July 6, 1971. He was united in marriage to Nancy Evenson on April 18, 1970, and although they were later divorced, they maintained a friendship.

Don worked as a clerk at the United States Postal Service for over 30 years until he retired. He enjoyed genealogy, photography, reading, and spending time with his family. Don was a member of the American Legion, First Presbyterian Church, and NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees).

He is survived by his daughter, Jody (Mike) Johnson of Lake Crystal; siblings, Bob Williams of Mankato, John Williams of Missouri, and Mary Jane Goode of Rochester; former spouse, Nancy Sorgatz of Lake Crystal; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, John and O’Neita Williams; granddaughter, Madison Johnson; infant daughter, Jennifer Williams; sister, Gloria Livingstone; nephew, Daniel Williams; sisters-in-law, Carole and Karen Williams; brother-in-law, Richard Goode; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lucille and Clifford Evenson.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Northview - North Mankato Mortuary. Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.