Ken passed away July 26, 2016, peacefully at home at the age of 87. Ken is survived by his wife Jean, children: preceded in death by sons, Ronnie and Steven Widmer; survived by Daniel (Kim) Widmer, (Debora) Thompson-Widmer, Bonnie (Mark) Heise, Lori (Thomas) Ramsett; grandchildren: Brandon (Jeane), Whitney, Sierra (Pablo), Danielle, Steven, Joshua, Trevor, Ryan, Alexandra, Jennifer; Great-Grandchildren: Merrick, William, and Aiden; siblings: Stanley (Paula), Joyce and many nieces, nephews, family and great friends.
Ken was born April 4, 1929, on the Widmer farm Oshkosh, WI, to Mabel and Albert Widmer, III. He graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1946. May 1949 he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Sawlsville. He was fourth generation operating the Widmer family farm, started a trucking business at age 17, founded Widmer Marine in March 1951, purchased land at Candlish Harbor, Oshkosh, WI, and completed building their homestead in 1968, purchased the Evergreen Terrace Nursery and operated as a family business, started Widmer Enterprises in 1974 and retired from Rockwell International as an Expeditor January 1986.
Ken was a member of the Oshkosh Elk's Ch.292 for 47 years, a lifelong member of the United States Power Squadron and honored on June 1, 2014, for 50 years of service. He joined the First United Methodist Church in 1950 and served on many committees. After retirement, he ran and was elected into office for Winnebago County; served as County Board Supervisor for four years and two years as secretary of the Planning/Zoning committee.
Ken's passion in life was his wife and family, friends, the great outdoors, boating, hunting, fishing, dancing, singing, playing the accordion, woodworking, he was a great story teller and he lived life to the fullest. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church, 700 W. Linwood Ave., Oshkosh, WI. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Luncheon at the church following the service. Internment promptly at 2:00pm at the New Elm Cemetery, Intersection HWY 175 & Swiss Road, VanDyne, WI.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made payable to the Elk's Ch.292 Memorial Fund, honor of Ken Widmer, 175 W. Fernau Ave., Oshkosh WI 54901.
The family extends their thanks to the staff at Aurora Health Care especially Dr. Miranpuri and
Dr. Devermann; Evergreen Rehab, Pastor John Hobbins, Oshkosh Fire and Sherriff departments and Generations for the care and compassion shown to Ken, Jean and their family during this most difficult time.