Cheryl Marie (Grossell) Williams

Cheryl Marie (Grossell) Williams was born October 23,1947.

Cheryl was born to Willard and Edith (Olson) Grossell. The oldest of fourteen children and considered the matriarch of the Grossell family. In 1949 she contracted polio and was diagnosed with nerve damage that affected her nervous system, her muscles and her ability to walk. Facing her childhood challenges only made her stronger and her will to survive was insurmountable. She loved her family and helped in the raising of her younger siblings. She loved them all dearly.

Cheryl attended Deer River Schools for her entire education and upon graduation, chose motherhood as her occupation. In 1969 she married the love of her life Victor Williams Sr. of Deer River, and they had three children, Victor Williams Jr., Sarah Bellefy, and Carl Williams. Cheryl’s children were the light of her life, and she would often brag about them and what they had accomplished. Their family was small but formidable, like many families back then. They did not have everything, but they had everything they needed. Cheryl would always make sure that whatever was necessary was provided and always told the kids the importance of faith, family and freedom. She was very strong minded and believed in Our Lord, Jesus Christ. She was a strong advocate of the unborn and was unyielding in her advocacy for the pro-life movement.

As their family expanded, there were many changes and Cheryl, along with Victor, embraced every aspect of family growth. From sons and a daughter to daughters-in-law and a son in law, to the most precious gift of all, the grandchildren. They watched as their grandchildren arrived in all shapes and sizes and never once questioned the embrace of her family as it grew. She loved them all dearly and would brag about them to anyone who would listen. She couldn’t wait for each update on what was happening and where their lives were heading.

Cheryl loved spending quality time with her family, reading, and she also thoroughly enjoyed freelance drawing and painting. Cheryl also loved a challenge and for no other apparent reason than to say that she did it, she decided to finish her degree in history and acquired a bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University. To say that she was one of a kind is an understatement, her love was strong and unwavering. She made everyone she loved feel special in her own way but for her children she had a special place in her heart. As stated by her daughter Sarah “Mom was our first friend, our best friend and our forever friend”.

In 2021 she lost her husband Victor and continued battling her own physical challenges until surrendering to Our Lord, Jesus Christ on April 28, 2025.

Cheryl is survived by: Children; Victor J. (Tami) Williams, Sarah (Corey) Bellefy, Carl (Angie) Williams. Grandchildren; Andy (Brianna) Spry, Ashley (Toby) Lanum, Kyle (Jenna) Lyytinen, Bryce (Liz) Lyytinen, Jake Bellefy, Elizabeth (Travis) Schultz, Hank (JoJo) Bellefy, C.J. Bellefy, Lily (Nathan) Bellefy, Brianna (Frank) Williams, Noah (Lilly) Williams, Ethan Williams. 14 great grandchildren. Sisters in law, Sharon (Roland Deceased) Cartwright, Mary (Mack Deceased) Williams, Elaine (Jim Deceased) Williams. Siblings, Sue (Dale) Etter, Bill (Elaine) Grossell, Peggy (Steph Deceased) Grossell, Rose (Greig) Olson, Grace (Boots) Rasley, Jim (Jeanne) Grossell, Yvonne (Jim) Daigle, Marcia (Lee) Dowling, Teresa (Jeff) Huju, Jerome (Theresa) Grossell, Edith (Frank) Hellman, Matt Grossell. Several Nieces and Nephews.

Cheryl is preceded in death by; Husband, Victor R. Williams, Parents, Willard and Edith Grossell; and Sister, Mary Elizabeth Grossell.

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