Former state Rep. Mary Lynn Williams, a Medford Republican, died September 30. She was 77.
Williams was born July 8, 1949, in Phillips, graduated from Phillips High School in 1967, and earned an education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1974. She taught second grade in the Medford Area Public School District for 18 years and, with her husband, Allen “Al” Williams, owned and operated five Hardee’s restaurants and a Happy Joe’s for 40 years.
She served four years on the Taylor County Board before winning the 87th Assembly District in 2002. She held the seat through 2014, chaired the Assembly committees on rural development and on jobs, the economy and small business, and served as majority caucus secretary. Gov. Scott Walker later appointed her to the Wisconsin Technical College System Board. Her work also included dairy promotion, forestry, conservation, tourism, and youth programs in Taylor and Price counties.
Al Williams died July 12. Mary Williams is survived by three children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A funeral is set for 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford, with visitation from 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery II beside her husband. A celebration of life runs from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at the Medford VFW. The family asked guests to wear bright colors, especially red. Memorials may go to Moments Hospice of Stevens Point or the Alzheimer’s Association.
