Gunnar Williamson

Gunnar Williamson, 94, of Two Harbors, died Thursday July 25, 2013 at Essentia Health a�" St. Mary's Medical Center.

Gunnar was born October 6, 1918 to John Helmer and Selma (Gustafson) Williamson in Two Harbors, where he was a life-long resident. As a young man he entered the military and served in the Army's 8th Air Force 100th Bomb Group as a Tech Sergeant and Top Turret Gunner in a B-17- Flying Fortress. After completing 35 missions over Europe, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and six air medals.

Gunnar was self-employed as a machinist and welder. He designed and manufactured a brush and tree cutter for clearing power lines, and a tree delimbing machine for use in the logging industry. He successfully patented the delimbing machine. In later years he also operated a gravel pit, and enjoyed running his excavator and other equipment. He enjoyed carpentry and designed and built his own home, cabin, and his daughter's office.

Gunnar was a member of International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49, and a past member of the Masons. He enjoyed reviewing maps and travel guides, and spur of the moment traveling with Peggy, stopping wherever they found something interesting.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Lilly (Aho) in 1989, and an infant brother.

Gunnar is survived by his daughter, Peggy Williamson of Two Harbors, and his faithful dog Tootsie.

Graveside service with military honors will be held at 2 PM Friday, August 2, 2013 at Lakeview Cemetery in Two Harbors.