Steven George Williams

MCFARLAND/MADISON-Steven G. "Wormy" Williams, age 66, of McFarland, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, at his home with his family by his side. Within minutes of his death, flags at all Madison Fire Stations were lowered to half-mast. He was born on Jan. 17, 1950, in Madison, the son of William H. and Mildred Williams. Wormy married Kathleen A. Higgins on June 16, 2001, in Tampa, Fla. He graduated from Edgewood High School in 1968, where he was a three sport athlete and earned a football scholarship to St. Norbert College. Wormy graduated from St. Norbert College in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in communication. He worked in finance for five years but quickly realized that he wanted more excitement in his life, so he became a firefighter. Wormy was a firefighter in Milwaukee for two years. His life came full circle when he moved back home to Madison to join the Madison Fire Department. He retired in 2008, after 29 years of service. During his firefighting career he earned a congressional award for heroism and developed a second family within the department. Wormy was the Jeopardy King of the MFD and the state champion of the firefighter's pool tournament. Following retirement he enjoyed "working" with the Pleasant View Crew. He was a natural athlete and incredibly competitive. Wormy was passionate about all sports especially those involving his sons. He loved inline skating and completed several marathons, including one with his son in Germany. Wormy is survived by his wife, Kathleen; children, Michael Williams, Matthew (Jessica) Williams, and Timothy Williams, and their mother, Mary (Roger) Wright; grandchildren, Jack, Alexa, Sage, Ariella, and Crew; mother, Mildred Williams; brother, Stanley (Dyanne) Williams; sister, Kathleen (Richard) Logan; and three step-children, Brionne Chesley (Kris), Kimberly (Stevie) Chesley-Breland and Corey Chesley. He was preceded in death by his father; and brothers, Daniel and Edward Williams. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, with Fr. Gary Wankerl presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr. Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711. The family wishes to thank Dr. Longo, Dawn, Beth and the staff at UW Carbone Center. In addition the family thanks his beloved firefighter friends and all the Pleasant View Crew for their compassionate care and loving support. Steven had a zest for life, not living the length, but living the full breadth. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420