Arvid Lloyd Williams

Arvid Lloyd Williams, 83, passed away peacefully at home on April 5, 2026. Born December 20, 1942 in Perham, Minnesota, Arvid served in the U.S. Marine Corps (1960-1963.) In 1965 he married Jerilyn Ann Dunn of Frazee, MN and together they had five children; Steve (Monalee) Williams, Sue (Chris) Sullivan, Mike (Ronda) Williams, Kathy (Matt) Torgerson, and Maggie (Craig) Weierke; 14 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents, Elsie (Erickson) and Kenneth Williams Sr., siblings, Kenneth Jr., Clyde, Raymond, and sister, Janet. He is survived by his sisters Audrey (Marvin) Taylor, Frances (Marvin) Huwe, Bonnie Feuerborn, and Sharon (Terry) LeMaster.

After his retirement from the Wayzata School District in 2003, he became a published author and historian of Minnesota history. He was a member of the Crow Wing County Muzzleloaders and a fixture in the local Rendezvous scene. As a dedicated "Buckskinner", he didn't just study history—he wore it. He was a master of lost arts, from hand-sewing leathers and intricate beading to crafting replica Native American garb and artifacts.

He was at home while primitive camping, shooting, or exploring the geological wonders of Minnesota. He had a deep passion for geology, often found inspecting rocks and minerals with a genuine wonder for how the earth came to be.

Arvid was a rare breed: a "friendly loner." He cherished his solitude and the quiet of nature, yet possessed a sharp, creative humor that could light up a room or any campsite. He was kind, and deeply curious. He was an author, musician, craftsman, and accomplished Buckskinner.

He leaves behind a legacy of adventure, handmade artifacts, and at least a few mysterious gadgets that the family is still trying to figure out. Rest in Peace, Dad. We'll see you down the road.

A celebration of Arvid’s life and his many talents will be held on Thursday, April 16th at Trailside Tavern in Crosby, MN from 4-6pm following a private committal service at noon at Fort Ripley, Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN.