Carl D. Williams, age 80, of New Prague, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, February 22, 2024, after a long struggle with COPD and cancer. Carl was born on March 9, 1943, in Glenwood, Minnesota, to Carl E. and Lorraine (Anderson) Williams. He grew up in Starbuck and graduated from Starbuck High School and then served in the US Air Force. He married Shirley Rahn Pinette on September 6, 1980, in Bloomington, Minnesota. Carl's father owned a junk yard and Carl tinkered on the cars, learning basic auto mechanics and developing a love of tools, which lasted his lifetime. He started his career as an over-the-road trucker, his favorite occupation. In more recent years, he worked as a plant operator for the Metropolitan Council, Wastewater Division. Carl had a strong work ethic, serious and determined. His lighter side loved both hearing and telling a good joke! He enjoyed dancing but his favorite activity was watching movies; there wasn't a movie that he was unwilling to watch! Carl had a soft side for animals and his dog and he were inseparable!

Carl is survived by his wife, Shirley Williams of New Prague; children, Chris (Laurel) Pinette of Bloomington, Darren Pinette of Elko New Market, Karei West of Woodbury; grandchildren, Haley, Noah, Andrew, & McKenna; 1 sister. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Arnold.

No services will be held. Burial will occur at a later date at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.