Roger �Rogie� Lee Widner

Roger "Rogie" Lee Widner, age 46 of Avalanche, rural Viroqua, died Sunday, September 24, 2006 at his home as the result of kidney cancer. Roger was born in Viroqua on April 4, 1960 to Roger and Mary (Clarke) Widner. He graduated from Westby High School and worked with his father and uncles business, RL Widner Excavating, since he was 16. He was united in marriage to Laurie Venner on October 12, 1991. He was a member of the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, president of the West Fork Sportsmans Club, and Treasurer of Vernon County Tourism Council. Roger was a hard working man who cared about the environment. He was proud of the work he did with stream bank improvement and won state and national awards for that work. He was instrumental in reviving the valley and leaves a legacy that will be enjoyed by future generations. He loved his family and took great pleasure in taking his kids to enjoy the outdoors. Roger is survived by his wife, Laurie; their children, Danielle and Dylan Widner; his parents, Roger and Mary Widner of Avalanche; and his parents-in-law, Larry and Margaret "Muggs" Venner of Genoa. He is further survived by his siblings, Susan (Terry) Arentz of Cashton and Perry Widner of Avalanche; brothers-in-law, Richard Venner and Larry (Callie) Venner; nieces and nephews: Amanda, Meghan, Kelsey, Tyler, Alex, and Molly Arentz, and Sophia Venner; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William Perry and Florence Widner, and James and Lenore Clarke. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Dennis Hallemeier will officiate with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 South Hwy 14, Westby and at the church on Thursday from 10 11 a.m. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.