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Lois Widman Obituary
Lois M. Widman, age 63, of De Smet, passed away on Sunday, March 10 at a Sioux Falls hospital following a long battle with cancer. Funeral services will be on Friday, March 15 at American Lutheran Church in De Smet at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Thursday evening at the Osthus Funeral Home in De Smet. Burial will be in the De Smet Cemetery.
Lois Mae Garner was born on December 10, 1949 in Sioux Falls to parents Lester and Henrietta (Schwertman) Garner. She grew to adulthood in Sioux Falls and attended grade school and Washington High School, graduating in 1968. She furthered her education at Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD and received a bachelors degree in education.
Lois was united in marriage to Bennie Widman on December 18, 1971 in Sioux Falls. The couple settled on a farm south of De Smet. Lois began working as a teacher's aid and substitute teacher in De Smet. She later taught elementary school in Carthage, SD.
She received her masters degree from USD in special education and taught special ed in Carthage. She left her career of teaching and began working at De Smet Farm Mutual Insurance in De Smet in 1995 and worked there until the time of her death.
She was an active member of the American Lutheran Church and ELCW where she held several offices and was on many committees. She was a mentor and advocate for the American Cancer Society helping to support others who had cancer. She loved to shop, bake, travel and go to coffee. More than anything she loved her grandchildren and being their Nana.
She is loved and survived by her husband Bennie Widman of De Smet; four daughters, Brenda (Mike) Knutson, Canby, MN, Lynette (Mike) Christie, Sioux Falls, April (Matt) Thompson, Sioux Falls, and Amy (Jeremy) Kearns, Sioux Falls; two brothers, Larry (Kathie)Garner, Sioux Falls, and Gary (Carla) of Piedmont, SD; and four sisters, Margie Garner, Monroe, SD, Kathy Garner, Sioux Falls, Joyce (Brian) Kringen, Aberdeen, and Eileen (Charlie) Blue, Colman, SD; and ten grandchildren.
Lois is preceded in death by her parents and one infant sister.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lois Widman
3 Entries
Lori Jorenby
March 15, 2013
Lois was a delight to work with thru Women of the ELCA. I will miss her bright smile. My sympathy and prayers. Lori Jorenby
Peggy Sik
March 13, 2013
Thoughts and prayers from Brenda's co worker and friend.
Jan Wright
March 13, 2013
Prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. We will be thinking of you Brenda and Mike and boys as you celebrate her life and remember all the wonderful memories during her life as you gather with your family and friends. She was a wonderful person. God has a wonderful addition in His glorious Home.
Love Jan and Dave
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