Joseph Edward Widmer

Joseph Edward Widmer, 89, of Sterling passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, March 21, 2020 after year of declining health.

Joe was born July 2, 1930 near Sterling to the late John and Mary (Riggenbach) Widmer and married the former Marlene Roth on April 24, 1954.  For 66 years they shared true love and adoration for each other.  Joe’s passion was farming which he fulfilled all of his life.  After retiring from farming in 1997 he worked for Sanmandy near Creston for 17 years. 

Joe was a longtime member of East Chippewa Church of the Brethren where he served as a Deacon and was an Usher for 50 years.  He was well known for his sweet smile and warm greeting.  One of his favorite days of the year was hosting the Church’s annual corn roast which was enjoyed by many for 58 years.  Joe was a man of few words but lived his faith out loud.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends but will truly be remembered for his faithfulness to God.

Surviving are his wife, Marlene; his children and their spouses, Bruce and Vivian Widmer of Sterling, Barb and Keith Reese of Creston, Becky and Roger Pauley of Rittman, Ben and Bev Widmer of Sterling, Beth and Scott Hower of Creston and Bonnie and Randy Sadler of Wadsworth; 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; his brothers and sister, Robert Widmer, Harold and Carole Widmer, Jeannie Stoller and Addison and Georgia Widmer all of Sterling; a sister-in-law, Joanne Widmer of Rittman and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant grandson, his brother, Dale Widmer, sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Dale Everhard, brother-in-law, Harlan Stoller and sister-in-law, Joann Widmer.

A private family funeral services will be held at Murray Funeral Home in Creston  with Pastor Brad Kelley officiating.  Burial will be in East Chippewa Church Cemetery.  Friends are welcome to pay their respects to Joe on Monday, March 23rd between the hours of 2 and 6 p.m.  at the funeral home. The family will not be present.  There will be a celebration of Life at the family farm on Joe’s 90th birthday,  July 2nd.  Tributes may be shared at www.Murray-Funeral-Home.com  Memorial contributions may be made to LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 or East Chippewa Church of the Brethren, 7207 Chippewa Rd., Orrville, OH 44667.  The family extends their deepest appreciation to the staff at Wooster Community Hospital and LifeCare Hospice for their passionate care that they gave to Joe.

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