William M. Widmer

1939  –  2025

As family and friends gather to remember William Widmer, they will certainly agree that there was no one quite like him. He was a shining example of devoted faith, and although he accomplished so much of which to be proud in his life, he was always humble and kind. Life will not be the same without Bill here, but he leaves a priceless collection of memories that those he leaves behind will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

The late 1930s were truly among some of the most tumultuous years for the United States and the rest of the world. The aftershocks of the Great Depression could still be felt by families across the country, and those of us in the United States watched anxiously as tensions surrounding WWII were quickly reaching a boiling point. During this trying time, however, there was a light of hope for Albert and Sylvia Widmer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as they awaited the arrival of their first baby. On Christmas Eve, December 24 of 1939, they were so happy to welcome their son, William Melvin, into their arms.

Growing up, Bill was a typical young man of his generation. His father, Albert, supported the family by working at Allen Bradley in Milwaukee while his mother, Sylvia, was a dedicated homemaker and stay-at-home mom. During his early years, Bill was raised in the family home on College Avenue. He attended school at St. Stephens on Howell Avenue and served as an altar boy. When Bill was a junior in high school, the Widmer family moved to Oakwood Road, where he finished out his junior and senior years at South Milwaukee High School. He enjoyed spending time with friends and neighbors, and he was also close with his cousin, Ruth-Ann. Bill graduated from South Milwaukee in 1958, then followed the call to serve his country and joined the Army Reserves to serve from 1958 to 1965. Once his time in the service was finished, he spent two years working at American Motors.

It wasn’t long before Bill met the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Sandee Woychik, and the two first met on a blind date. There was an instant connection between Bill and Sandee. Over the next eight months, they enjoyed a whirlwind romance, quickly falling deeper and deeper in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Bill and Sandee were married at St. John’s Church in South Milwaukee. Shortly after in 1965, they were overjoyed to welcome their first child, Brian, into their hearts and home. Bill’s family grew with the arrival of their twin boys, Paul and Curtis, in 1968. Soon after, he and Sandee began building their dream home in Oak Creek, right between Bill’s sister-in-law’s family and his best friend, Charles Liebl, and his family. With their house completed, they brought their first dog, Cookie, into the family.

Although their three children brought so much light to their lives, Bill and Sandee couldn’t help but feel that their family wasn’t yet completed. Through the Catholic Social Services, they were able to adopt their sweet daughter, Linda, born in 1971. She was the perfect addition to the Widmer family. Bill thrived in his role as a father, and he worked very hard so that Sandee could be a stay-at-home mom to their four kids. He loved having a large, bustling family. The Widmers enjoyed many memorable camping trips in Coloma over the years, and when the children were teenagers, they were able to visit Disney World in Florida. Later in life, Bill was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. He adored his grandchildren and took every opportunity to spend time with them. Bill and Sandee bought a lake house on Pell Lake in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, in 1998, and they liked hosting their family and having the grandkids over to swim and fish. Bill considered himself deeply blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

Bill’s rich career in firefighting spanned many years of devotion to his community. He joined the Oak Creek Fire Department in 1965, just one month before his first son was born. It was during this time that Bill was able to bond with several of his fellow firefighters, beginning a long friendship with Chuck Liebl. In 1983, Bill had to undergo his first double bypass surgery, and he eventually had to take early medical retirement from the fire department. Not one to quit when the going got tough, however, he took charge as the fire inspector. Bill continued to serve until he retired in 1989.

In 1973, Bill and Sandee began attending Bible studies with several friends and family members. They also joined Parkway Apostolic Church in Oak Creek. On April 1 of 1973, Bill accepted the Holy Spirit and was baptized, beginning the faith that would serve him well for the remainder of his life. He served as an usher in the church and opened his home to host Bible studies. While living in Lake Geneva, Bill attended a church near there, but he was so happy to return to Oak Creek and his home church.

Never one to sit still for long, Bill pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He was an avid fisherman and would often bring the family boat to different lakes in the area in search of the best spots. Bill liked tinkering in the garage and working out in the yard. He loved Star Wars, Star Trek, and all things sci-fi, and he enjoyed playing cards and Cribbage. Bill didn’t miss a single Packers or Brewers game on TV. He liked listening to “oldies” music, as well as Christian music and songs from church, and his favorite TV shows included NCIS, CSI, and the Big Bang Theory.

With a journey that spanned times of war and peace and times of want and plenty, William Widmer was a steadfast role model of hard work and Godly values. Nothing brought him greater joy than surrounding himself with his loved ones, and his heart of selflessness and generosity allowed him to impact the lives of many around him for the better. Dearly missed, Bill and his memory will be forever loved, cherished, and remembered.

William Melvin Widmer

Entered into his rest on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at the age of 85. Married to Sandee Widmer (nee Woychik) for 45 years. Cherished father of Brian Widmer, Curtis (Catherine) Widmer, and Linda (Anthony) Schloer. Loving grandfather of Anthony (Adrienne) Widmer, Brandon Widmer, Jessica (Joe) Barnes, Catrina Widmer, Justin Widmer, Alyssa Schloer, Emily Schloer, Jacob Widmer and Sarah Widmer. Great-grandfather of Remy Widmer, Matty Widmer, Donovan Barnes and Amira Barnes. Further survived by other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents Albert and Sylvia Widmer and his son and daughter-in-law Paul and Diane Widmer.

Memorial Gathering Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Parkway Apostolic Church 10940 S. Nicholson Road, Oak Creek, 53154 from 9:00 AM until time of the Memorial Service at 11:00 AM.