Jeanette Williams

MADISON-Jeanette Irene (Getzelman) Williams, age 91, died peacefully on Monday, September 8, 2025, in her home, surrounded by her four children. She had also been surrounded, in the days before she slipped away, by her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many friends. Their presence was a testimony of how much she was loved!

Jeanette was born on June 29, 1934, in Hampshire, IL to May and Floyd Getzelman. She met the love of her life and future husband, George J. Williams, when she was young. George came to Hampshire seeking work and soon became a Hampshire hometown boy with a very nice girlfriend! In 1951, Jeanette graduated from Hampshire High school. In the same year, George was inducted into the U.S. Army and sent to Korea. When he returned to civilian life, Jeanette and George were united in marriage on December 20, 1953. They were married for 61 years.

Following the wedding, they moved to Madison. Their first child was born in 1955. Jeanette focused on motherhood and was soon very busy with four children! In 1964, they built their first home in Monona and established roots in the city, becoming involved in the Methodist church and making many friends.

Jeanette loved people. She had the gift of gab, and was interested in everything about every person. Jeanette and George’s circle of friends was wide. They joined Bridge clubs, church activities, couples’ clubs, took up hobbies, socialized with neighbors, volunteered as ushers at the Overture Center, and attended numerous theatre events. For many years, they frequented the Concerts on the Square with friends, enjoying the music and the friendships. Throughout the years of raising their family, Jeanette and George’s lives were full. They had a great mix of work, social events, and family gatherings.

No one was a stranger to Jeanette. Everyone was loved. Jeanette maintained a special bond with Kurt Winsauer, from Bregenz, Austria, a foreign exchange student who lived with the  Williams from 1973-74. Kurt was reunited with “Mum” when he returned to Monona in 2024.

Jeanette held several part time jobs throughout the years but landed a job with the State of Wisconsin at age 40. She had a fantastic career working as an Executive Assistant to the Wisconsin State Budget Director and then Executive Assistant to the Cabinet Secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Administration. She worked with Governors Tommy Thompson and Tony Earl.

Retirement began in 1999. Jeanette focused on volunteering, nurturing her friendships, becoming an avid reader, joining a book club, increasing her leadership involvement at the church, and traveling. Travel was a high priority, especially car trips resulting in travel to all 50 states and the Provinces of Canada as well as many cruises and trips abroad. Mom shared that her retirement years were some of her best years! Later on, Girls Trips with her daughters and Getzelman relatives took her to Fallbrook, CA; Nashville, TN; Milwaukee, WI; and Dublin, OH for great adventures. Mom also traveled to Arizona with her childhood girlfriends.

Jeanette always prioritized family and helped out whenever needed. Jeanette’s mother moved into her home for a few years, and she and George cared for her until she passed away. Jeanette attended countless musical and athletic events to show her support for her children and her grandchildren. Her grandchildren share that Grandma made each of them feel very loved and special. What an example to all of us on how to show love to others!

Survivors include her children, Stephanie (James) Iliff, Patrick Williams, Michael Williams and Sandra (Brian) Fiedler. She is further survived by 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren with one expected in February of 2026; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, George, in 2014; and her five siblings, Gene, Rita, Jim, David and Don.

Join us to celebrate the life of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Jeanette. A celebration of life will be held at MONONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 606 Nichols Road, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, with the Rev. Brad Van Fossen presiding. A luncheon with a time to greet friends and family will follow the service. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital staff and Agrace Hospice staff for providing our mother with excellent guidance and loving care in her last earthly days. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Agrace HospiceCare in Mom’s memory.

Mom was our matriarch, our confidant, our heart and our home. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered with every sunrise, every family gathering, every time we hear a great story or joke, and every act of love passed down through the generations she shaped.

Rest gently, Mom. You were our everything.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420