Fred Widman

Fred Edward Widman, 89, of Godfrey, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 24, 2017 at Alton Memorial Hospital.He came into this world with celebration on July 4th, 1928, to Fred Sr. and Edna (Bregenzer) Widman. He was born and raised in Jersey County, living near his birthplace his entire life.He went to the East Newbern Methodist Church with his parents, and learned the value of hard work at an early age, helping his dad on their farm. He served with the U.S. Army 6th Armored Division of the Korean War, and was stationed at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin from 1950 until his honorable discharge in 1952, and then served in the Army Reserves until 1957. In 1952, he married Ruth Bastien in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. During their 42 years together they raised their six children, then later divorced. In 1952, he formed F.E. Widman Trucking and Excavating and became a member of Teamsters Local 525 in Alton and a member of Operating Engineers Local 520 in Granite City. One of his first accomplishments was assisting in the construction and completion of the Nike Military Missile Base above Pere Marquette Park. His trucks and equipment were instrumental in the construction and maintenance of nearly all the major highways and streets in this region. He gave of his time and resources to the community and projects such as the original ball fields on Stamper Lane. He heavily contributed and worked closely with Dr. Gordon F. Moore in the development of Gordon Moore Park. Still today, after 65 years his legacy lives on through Widman Construction Company Inc. of Godfrey.  Since 1959, he was a member of the Mid-West Truckers Association in Springfield, Illinois, and served on the executive board and as its past president. He was a long-time Mason-Shriner Scottish Rite of Masonic Lodge 341. He was also a charter member and past president of the Gateway Piasa’s Motorhome Club. He was also a past member of the Tri-county Antique Club, The American Legion, The Alton Motorboat Club, The So. Illinois Builders Association, and the Associated General Contractors of America. He had a passion for antique cars, tractors and motorcycles. He enjoyed traveling abroad, and throughout the U.S. especially in his motorhome. He was an avid hunter. In his early years he hunted big game in Colorado, and enjoyed bird hunting with his friends. In September 1993, he met Linda Klopmeier whom he married on December 10th, 1995. They spent 24 loving years together enjoying their lake place in Rockbridge with family, traveling in their motorhome, and wintering in Florida.He was a great storyteller and loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is survived and will be sadly missed by his wife Linda, his former wife and friend Ruth, and their children Sandy (Colin) Meyer of Jerseyville, Kathy Lewis of Godfrey, Terry (LaNae) Widman of Godfrey, Keith (Susie) Widman of Jerseyville, and step-son Brad Whitlock of Alton.He will also be missed by his 14 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren with one on the way. He is also survived by his brother Ray (Marge) Widman of Carlisle and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sons Gary and James Widman.Visitation will be on Thursday, December 28th from 400-800p.m., at Godfrey First United Methodist Church where he was a member, On Friday, and visitation will continue at the church on Friday, December 29, 2017 from 9:00 am until time of services at 10:00am.  Interment will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or to a charity of one’s choice.  Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey is in in charge of the arrangements.Condolences may be found online at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home