Henry "Sonny" Lewis Williams, Jr.

Chateau Speedway has lost another of its former drivers. Chateau veteran driver, fan, friend, and volunteer, Henry “Sonny” Lewis Williams, Jr., of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025, at his home. The driver of car #69, Sonny had just turned 69 this past May, after dealing with a few different health issues over the years.

Sonny was born May 19, 1956, in Austin, Minnesota, the son of Henry Sr. and Mitzie (Huntley) Williams. He attended Austin High School and worked at Viracon in Owatonna, Minnesota for over 20 years. In 1979, he married Barbara Stahl and they later divorced.

Sonny was a passionate stock car racer, with a storied career at the Chateau Speedway that began in the mid-1970s. Sonny picked up a handful of heat and semi-feature wins between 1976 and 1979 in the Hobby Stock class. In the early ‘80s, he ran the Sportsman and Limited Late Model classes for several years including a car built for him by Roger Stoa in 1982. Sonny drove those cars in Mason City as well as competing at Lansing. He also reminisced over the years of doing some traveling, visiting many different tracks during his years behind the wheel.

His final years racing was in the WISSOTA Super Stock class in the mid ‘90s. His highest showing in the point standings was 12th in 1995. Many may remember he had a rollover in 1996 that took him off turn number three and out onto the service road for the home that sits back behind that turn. A regular face at “The Track” after his racing days were done, Sonny even volunteered as part of a crew helping Mark Wytaske after he purchased the facility in 2018; with some of the tasks needed to get the facility back open after it had sat idle for a few months at the beginning of that season. Sonny still had his last car and fired it up on occasion in his garage. Asked recently when the last time he had his car running, he said, “last summer” but he was planning on getting it fired up again this fall. Just a few years back he had it out at “The Track” on display one Friday night as pictured.

Aside from his passion for racing, Sonny also enjoyed roller skating, fishing, and bowling. He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews, embracing his role as the fun uncle.

Survivors include his sisters, Constance (Brian Mingle) Thompson, Linda (Butch) Laack, Sue (Morrie) Kellogg, and Connie (Steve) Smith; nieces and nephews; bonus daughter, Jordyn Halverson and sons, Karsen and Thaddeus; and many family members and special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Sr. and Mitzie Williams; daughter, Kyla; and great-nephew, Ethan Woodworth.

A memorial service for Henry will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place from 1:00-3:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.