Sidney Peter Williamson

Sidney Peter Williamson, age 84, of Brandon, SD, formerly of Garretson, SD and St. Cloud, MN, passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at his home in Brandon surrounded by his family. Sid was born in Sioux Falls, SD on February 1, 1942, to Paul and Hazel Williamson and grew up on the Aker-Pederson-Williamson family homestead in Garretson. As a young man, he was a stand-out multi-sport high school athlete, including once holding the state high school record in pole vault. He attended South Dakota State University where he was in ROTC while earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

After graduation, he served as an Army Air Defense Artillery officer (1st Lieutenant) in the Panama Canal Zone where he met the love of his life, Judy. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1967, when he and Judy returned to South Dakota to start a family. His 40-year career as a civil engineer started as a city engineer in Sioux Falls, eventually moving St. Cloud, where he joined a private engineering firm, eventually rising through the ranks to become vice president of the company while also helping to raise his daughter Katherine and son Matthew. Throughout this time, Sid remained an avid athlete with a passion for golf, fast-pitch softball and baseball while also supporting the SDSU Jackrabbits football and women’s basketball programs. Eventually, he and a partner started Williamson-Kotsmith Engineers, enjoying tremendous success as a well-respected civil engineer and land surveyor. Upon retirement, he and Judy returned to Garretson, spending his days golfing, cheering along his beloved Jackrabbits and enjoying time with family and life-long friends. Sid was a proud active member of the Garretson American Legion, Post #23.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years Judith, his daughter Katherine, his son Matthew, and his granddaughter Selia, as well as his brothers Paul and David, and sister Arla. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Split Rock Lutheran Church or the Garretson American Legion.