Gerald Lee Widman

Gerald L. Widman, age 94, of Storm Lake, Iowa died Monday, November 10, 2014 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will follow in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery with full military rites by the Storm Lake AMVETS Post #66. Visitation will be Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. until the beginning of the service at the church. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Gerald Lee Widman was born October 7, 1920 in Lanesboro, Iowa, the son of George and Hattie (Remsburg) Widman. Gerald “Wid” attended school in Truesdale, Iowa, graduating from Truesdale High School. He then continued his education at State Agricultural College. On September 20, 1942, Gerald joined the United States Navy. He proudly served his country as a Second Class Gunner’s Mate on a ship in the Atlantic during World War II. He was honorably discharged on January 12, 1946. Gerald was the proud father of five children: Michael, Gary, Mary Ann, Rick, and Jean. On February 7, 1983 Gerald was united in marriage to Wilma Christina Miller Bade at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Gerald was a proud member of the Farm Bureau. He also was the recipient of several soil and water conservation awards. In his spare time, Gerald loved to read Western books. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. Most of all, Gerald loved spending time with his family and friends. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Chris Widman of Storm Lake, Iowa; children: Michael Widman of Eugene, Oregon; Mary Ann (Randy) Johnson of Sioux City, Iowa; Rick Widman of Altoona, Iowa; Jean (Scott) Miksch of Eugene, Oregon; daughter-in-law, Karen Widman of Storm Lake, Iowa; grandchildren: Corrina (Dominic) Yballe of Oregon; Guthrie (Caroline) Widman of California; Noah (Lindy) Johnson of Waukee, Iowa; Mary Widman of Chicago, Illinois; George Widman of Des Moines, Iowa; Peter (Melissa) Johnson of Sioux City, Iowa; Bryce Widman of Storm Lake, Iowa; Blake Widman of Storm Lake, Iowa; Emma Miksch of Eugene, Oregon; Laura Widman of Altoona, Iowa; seven great-grandchildren; many step-children and step-grandchildren; the entire Lenhart and Bade families; extended family and many friends. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Mary Berenice (Hendershott) Widman; second wife, Mary Louise (Lenhart) Widman; son, Gary Widman; three brothers, and two sisters.

Gerald Lee Widman

October 7, 1920 - November 10, 2014