SR1266 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1266 LRB100 16965 ALS 32112 r

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

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; 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.