Robert V. Williams

SIOUX CITY -- Robert Vance Williams, 87, former civic leader of Sioux City, passed away Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at Holy Spirit Retirement Home, with his wife, family and caregivers by his side.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Sioux City, with Monsignor Roger Augustine officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 3 to 8 p.m. Monday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m., with the Rev. Dennis Meinen presiding, at Larkin Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.christysmith.com .

Bob Williams was born July 7, 1922, the second son of Charles and Pearl Williams of Sioux City. He was a member of the 1940 graduating class from Central High School. He graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1944 with a degree in industrial engineering. After working briefly at Wincharger Corporation from 1944-45, he joined his father in the accounting practice of Williams and Company. He took his accounting coursework by extension and received his certification in 1950 from the University of Chicago, and his commitment and service to the community began.

Under his leadership as managing partner, Williams and Company flourished and grew beyond the Sioux City office to support additional offices in Le Mars, Onawa, Orange City, Spencer, all in Iowa, and Yankton, S.D. He was an innovative thinker and leader focusing on the needs of his clients and delivering services which enabled them to succeed. He retired in 1987, and became president and chief executive officer of Warren Electric Company in Houston, Texas, in 1988 until 1992.

He had a passion for helping others and sharing his talents. Throughout his life he dedicated much of his time to countless organizations and volunteer efforts. As chairman or president, he served United Way of Siouxland, Sioux City Chamber of Commerce, Marian Health Center, Blessed Sacrament Church Golden Jubilee, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Sioux City Country Club, Community Appeals Review Board, Cultural Complex Steering Committee, Sioux City Central City Committee, Iowa Society of CPA's Practice Management Committee, Chamber Environmental Task Force Committee and the Iowa Higher Education Loan Authority Board. He also co-founded and established Siouxland Initiative.

He served on numerous boards including MidAmerican Energy Company and its predecessors, Sioux City Art Center, Mount Marty College, Briar Cliff College, St. Vincent Hospital, Sioux City Industrial Development Council, Blessed Sacrament School and the church corporate board, Catholic Diocese of Sioux City, Sioux City Cultural Development Board, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Sioux City Symphony Orchestra Association and Symphony Foundation, the Associated Accounting Firms International, Siouxland Association of Business and Industry, University of South Dakota Foundation, Greater Siouxland Inc., Diocese of Sioux City Financial Council and the corporate board, Sioux City Public Library Foundation and the Sioux City Foundation.

Bob preferred to give others credit for the success of his many contributions rather than to receive recognition himself, yet he was the recipient of many honors and awards such as the Albert Gallatin Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Achievement both in Business Success and Community Involvement, the Kiwanis International Distinguished Service Award, the American Business Women's Association Boss of the Year Award, River-Cade Port Admiral, the University of South Dakota's Outstanding Graduate of the School of Business, the Briar Cliff College Award for Dedicated Service, the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants Public Service Award for Outstanding Service to the Community, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants National Public Service Award for Leadership and Community Service, the Briar Cliff College Medal for Community Service to Mankind, the Junior Achievement Private Enterprise Hall of Fame Award and the W. Edward Deming Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. It was said after this honor that, "Bob Williams is indeed a family icon, a community leader, a business inspiration and a true entrepreneur." He, however, simply maintained that he was "giving back to the community what they gave me."

Above all, his family was most important to him. He was married on June 17, 1946, to Helenanne Ryan, who he was quick to say, "was the best present he ever received in his life." He also said, "I make the living, she makes the living worthwhile." They had six children together. He suffered a stroke in 1990, but worked hard not to let it slow him down or burden others. Throughout his life and particularly during this time, he lived by his favorite quote, "The one who endures is the one who conquers." Bob especially loved spending time relaxing at Lake Okoboji with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Helenanne; his daughter, Jane and her husband, Mark Kampfe of Sioux City, and their daughters, Sarah Johnson and Kate Lange; his son, John and his wife, Molly of Sioux City, and their daughters, Joan, Anne, Mary, Susie and Sally; his daughter, Anne and her husband, Tom Shandley of Davidson, N.C., and their children, Elizabeth, Joey and Will; his daughter, Marilou Broulette of Omaha, Neb., and her sons, Kevin, Ryan and Eric; his son, Jim and his wife, Shelley of Concord, N.C., and their children, Haley, Chad and Jameson; and his son, Tom and his wife, Aly of Chicago, Ill., and their daughter, Tai.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Albert Williams; his mother, Pearl Emilie Rogers Williams; his brother, Charles K. Williams; and his grandson, Robert A. Williams.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the many wonderful, loving caregivers at Holy Spirit Retirement Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorials be directed to Holy Spirit Retirement Home in Sioux City, or to any of the many organizations that Bob served.