Carleen Williams

Carleen Steckelberg Williams, 99, died peacefully at her home on February 20, 2013. She was born July 1, 1913 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Carl Fredrick and Ouida Steckelberg. Carleen grew up in a musical and artistic family. She attended Stevens College in Missouri and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in Education. On February 25, 1939, Carleen married Dr. Russell I. Williams and shortly thereafter moved to Cheyenne. She helped establish a musical group, borrowing music scores from her father who was Director of Music at the University of Nebraska, and recruited players from the Denver Symphony to fill important positions. The group eventually became the Symphony and Choral Society of Cheyenne and Carleen played first chair violin with them for 10 years. She also organized the first Cheyenne Symphony Ball. After raising three sons, she decided to take her music lightly and her painting seriously. Carleen became a well-known Wyoming artist and her paintings have been shown internationally. She preferred watercolors because of the beautiful transparency. She said, "rather than a realistic rendition, I'm more interested in painting beautiful shapes and developing good color relationships. I feel like I'm a painter of moods." Sharing her knowledge of watercolor was important to her. She enjoyed organizing and teaching art workshops to adults and also volunteered her artistic instruction to local elementary school students. Carleen was a long time member of the Woman's Medical Alliance of Cheyenne and was chosen Woman of the Year by them in 2001. She was also an active a member of PEO Chapter AD. Preceded in death by her husband Dr. Russell I. Williams, Sr. (2007), Carleen is survived by her three sons, Dr. Russell I. Williams, Jr. (Barbara) of Cheyenne, Dr. P. Brock Williams (Julie) of Olathe, KS, and John G. Williams (Theresa) of Laramie, WY; grandchildren Grant R. Williams (Maria Bravo) of Denver, CO, Kathryn Spilotro (Daniel) of Chicago, IL, Lancelot, Bryce and Kyle Williams of Olathe, KS, Dustin Williams of Brisbane, AU, and Chelsea Williams of Santa Cruz, CA; and four great grandchildren, Dominic, Mia, and Daniel Spilotro, and Clara Simone Williams. Her family is grateful for the loving care provided by Patty Sanders as well as the Home Instead team during the last few years of her life. A private family memorial service will be held. Friends may visit the family at 3740 McComb Ave. on Saturday, March 23, from 11:30-2 p.m. Friends who wish may send contributions to the Cheyenne Guitar Society Music Series Foundation c/o LCCC, 1400 E. College Dr. Cheyenne, WY 82007 or the charity of their choice.