Bill Text: IL SR1266 | 2017-2018 | 100th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of Fred Edward Widman of Godfrey.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2018-01-31 - Resolution Adopted [SR1266 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2017-SR1266-Introduced.html

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SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to
learn of the death of Fred Edward Widman of Godfrey, who passed
away on December 24, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Fred Widman was born in Jersey County to Fred Sr.
and Edna (Bregenzer) Widman on July 4, 1928; he learned the
value of hard work at an early age by helping his father on the
family farm; he married Ruth Bastien in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
in 1952; they later divorced, and he married Linda Klopmeier on
December 10, 1995; and
WHEREAS, Fred Widman served with the United States Army 6th
Armored Division during the Korean War and was stationed at
Camp McCoy, Wisconsin from 1950 until his honorable discharge
in 1952; he then served in the Army Reserves until 1957; and
WHEREAS, Fred Widman formed F.E. Widman Trucking and
Excavating in 1952; he joined the Teamsters Local 525 in Alton
and also became a member of Operating Engineers Local 520 in
Granite City; one of his first accomplishments was assisting in
the construction and completion of the Nike Military Missile
Base above Pere Marquette Park; he contributed to the
completion of Gordon Moore Park; his legacy lives on through
Widman Construction Company Inc. of Godfrey; and

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WHEREAS, Fred Widman was a member of the Mid-West Truckers
Association and served on its Executive Board and as its
President; he was a longtime Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner of
Masonic Lodge 341; he was also a charter member and past
President of the Gateway Piasa's Motorhome Club; he was a past
member of the Tri-County Antique Club, the American Legion, the
Alton Motorboat Club, the Southern Illinois Builders
Association, and the Associated General Contractors of
America; and
WHEREAS, Fred Widman was an avid hunter; he was interested
in antique cars, tractors, and motorcycles; he and his wife
enjoyed traveling in their motorhome, wintering in Florida, and
spending time with family at their place on the lake; and
WHEREAS, Fred Widman was preceded in death by his parents;
his sons, Gary and James Widman; and his son-in-law, Dan Lewis;
and
WHEREAS, Fred Widman is survived by his wife, Linda; his
former wife and friend, Ruth; his children, Sandy (Collin)
Meyer, Kathy Lewis, Terry (LaNae) Widman, and Keith (Susie)
Widman; his stepson, Brad Whitlock; his 14 grandchildren; his
15 great-grandchildren, plus one on the way; his brother, Ray
(Marge) Widman; and his many nieces, nephews, and friends;

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therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
Fred Edward Widman and extend our sincere condolences to his
family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to the family of Fred Widman as an expression of our
deepest sympathy.