WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Robert O. Widdel, 84, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away early Saturday morning, Feb. 20, 2010, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
He was born Jan. 1, 1926, in Crown Point, Ind., a son of the late Otto Martin and Cora Louise (Blume) Widdel.
Bob had resided in Sturgis since 1945 coming from Indiana. On Oct. 19, 1947, he married Betty Templin in Sturgis.
Bob had owned and operated Central Meat Market in Sturgis for over 50 years until his retirement in 2002.
He was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis where he had served as an usher for many years and had also served on numerous church boards and committees.
He enjoyed playing golf, and cards and being outdoors mowing grass and cutting wood. He truly loved his home on the lake where his friends and the friends of his son, daughter and grandchildren were always welcome.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 62 years, Betty; one daughter, Sue (Clint) Rangler of Sturgis; daughter-in-law, Vickie Widdel of Sturgis; granddaughter, Kara (Rob) Falkenstein of Sturgis; great-grandchildren, Seth Falkenstein and Hannah Falkenstein; one sister, Florence (Bob) Waggoner of DeMotte, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Michael Widdel; one grandson, Joel Robert Widdel; one brother, Donald Widdel; and three sisters, Alice Monfort, Lora Eckhoff and Ruth Schultz.
The family will receive friends from 4–8 p.m. Tuesday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, (269) 651-2331. Funeral services celebrating the life of Robert O. Widdel will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Sturgis. The Rev. Michael Klafehn and the Rev. Calvin Kolzow will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Widdel’s memory consider the Trinity Lutheran Church, 406 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or Thurston Woods Nursing Center, 307 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.
