Juan Widner

Juan Widner, age 88 of Avalanche, rural Viroqua, died Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at his home. He was born to Clifford and Tillie (Johnson) Widner on January 4, 1918 in Avalanche and spent his life farming there. He was confirmed at Coon Prairie Lutheran Church and graduated from Viroqua High School. He married Shirley Miller on August 26, 1941. He was a member of the Eagles and a life member of the West Fork Sportsmans Club in Avalanche. He loved old time polka music, dancing, and his family. He was faithful in taking his children to Sunday school. He valued hard work and for many years he raised 24 acres of tobacco. Juan is survived by his children: Wanda (Wayne) Hillblom of Westby, Iris Hanson of Viroqua, Dianne (Red) Anderson of Westby, Dale (Eileen) Widner of Madison, Charlotte (Gary) Buros of Avalanche, and Randy Widner of Avalanche; 7 grandchildren: Terry (Diana Lewis) Hanson, Dawn (Scott) Sherry, Kevin (Nichole Ghels) Hanson, Michele (Ryan) Stenslien, Corey Anderson, Travis Buros, and Thomas Buros; 5 great grandchildren: Samuel, Jonathan, and Benjamin Sherry and Connor and Carver Stenslien. He is further survived by 4 sisters-in-law: Pat (Marvin) Swenson of Janesville, Joan Anderson of Neillsville, Darla (Ernie) Schreier of Cashton, Avy Widner of Janesville; 3 brothers-in-law: Robert (Evelyn) Miller, Byron (Phyllis) Miller, and Howard (Shirley) Widner, all of Janesville; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley on July 1, 1996; 2 brothers-in-law Hallie Widner and Wilbur Anderson; a son-in-law, Roger Hanson; and a great grandson, Zachary Roger Hanson. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Dennis Hallemeier will officiate with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 4 6 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Hwy 14 in Westby, and at the church on Saturday after 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, the Coon Prairie Cemetery, or Vernon Memorial Hospice. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.