Robert L. Widner

Robert L. Widner, 86, of Avalanche, Wisconsin passed away in his home on Thursday, October 22nd, 2020, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Robert was born February 17th, 1934, to William Perry and Rena Florence (Clark) followed shortly by his identical twin brother, Roger. Like most twins, Robert and Roger shared a special bond. Hardworking, smart, and business-minded, they worked side-by-side in their careers with Sun Drop, the Military, and Mathy Construction which led them to start their own business RL Widner Trucking and Excavating. The quarry was Robert’s pride and joy- not a day went by without Robert taking a short drive to gaze fondly over his lifelong accomplishments and taking a moment to reminisce about the long days spent making his dreams a reality. These visits to the quarry continued up until the day before Robert’s passing. Not only was Robert a quick-witted businessman, he was also kindhearted and passionate about nature and conservation efforts related to the West Fork of the Kickapoo River. Robert shared these endeavors with Roger. If something needed to be done in the valley, the Avalanche community knew that Robert and Roger would be the first to volunteer their expertise. Robert fell in love with June, which led to their lasting, enduring marriage. They raised their children in the very house that he was born in. Robert enjoyed making memories out of even the most everyday moments, like hunting for Morel mushrooms. He had a talent for bringing his family together through projects and daily activities. Robert was an ideal example for today’s younger generations about work ethic. Even in his eighties, Robert constantly kept himself busy- whether it was helping his grandchildren with their business endeavors, making his daily trip down to the farm to share his knowledge, and spending time outdoors fishing with his grandchildren. As the family’s patriarch, Robert always looked out for everybody’s best interests. Robert loved hearing updates from his family members about how they were doing. Robert is survived by his wife, Eda June; his four daughters: Marcia (Patrick) Parker of Avalanche, Wisconsin, Monica Klaas of Baraboo, Wisconsin, Melissa (Guy) Guglielmi of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, and Michelle Widner of Viola, Wisconsin; his son Bobby of Oklahoma; his fifteen grandchildren: Jared (Chrissy) Parker, Jessica (Kyle) Peterson, Jennifer (Joseph) Jandt, Janessa (Andrew) Mlsna, Victoria Klaas, Nathaniel (Sarah) Klaas, Andrew Guglielmi, Anthony Guglielmi, Adrian Guglielmi, Damon (Christine) Widner, Austin Goodwater, Spencer Goodwater, Evan (Jeanne) Goodwater, Jordan, and Nile; his nine great-grandchildren: Gabriel, Gibson, and Baby Jandt due in March, Brayden, Parker, and Piper Peterson, Heath Mlsna, and Abby; his nieces and nephew, Susan (Terry) Arentz, Ramona (Glenn) Fromme, Meredith Ames, Janice Whitt, Cindy (Scott) Weber, Linda (Bryan) Burch, Robert (Amy) Tway; brothers and sister-in-law Lena (Arthur) Zabel, Ralph (Jan) Barlow, and Robert (Sophie) Barlow. He is further survived by many other loved ones including cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Robert was preceded in death his parents; his beloved son Michael Robert Widner; his twin brother Roger (Mary) Widner; his brothers and sisters: Lester (Viva) Widner, Dorman (Lillian) Widner, Dorwin (Edith) Widner, William Widner, Mary (Lorenzo) Skundburg, Gladys (Chris) Tway; his nephews Roger, Perry, and David Widner; his in-laws Elmer and Velma (Salmon) Barlow; his brothers and sisters-in-law Fred (Lois) Barlow, George (Rosalie) Barlow, Albert Barlow, Elmer Barlow, Betty (Lowell) Smith, Gloria (Clyde) Gander, Mae (John) Motsinger, and Ethel (Neil) Zajicek. A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, October 25th, 2020, at 1:00pm at Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street in Westby, Wisconsin. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday evening from 4:00pm until 7:00pm and on Sunday from noon until the time of service. Due to COVID-19, the family respectfully requests that social distancing precautions are respected and masks are worn. Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby is serving Robert’s family. 708 S. Main Street Westby, WI 54667 (608) 634-2100