John Joseph Widman

John Joseph Widman passed away on March 10, 2025 surrounded by his four children at Upper Chesapeake Hospital in Bel Air, Maryland. He was born on May 18, 1938 to Anna (Huber) Widman and John George Widman at their home in Joppa. He is survived by his children, Deborah Ann Clayville, Rhonda Jean Shindle and husband Tom, John Stephen Widman and wife Michele, and Karen Ann Widman; sister Helen Widman Pennell and husband Bob, and sister-in-law Brenda Widman. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, three nieces and one nephew along with many great-nieces and nephews which he cherished. John was predeceased by his parents, brother George Widman, sister Joan Meise, sister-in-law Betty Widman, brother-in-law Leo Meise, and two nephews.
John graduated from St. Stephen Catholic School in Kingsville, Maryland in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army, spending time stationed in Germany. He and wife Nancy married in 1966 and settled in Forest Hill to raise their family. He was a faithful member of St. Ignatius Church in Hickory for over fifty years. John was a firm believer in the missions of the church.
John was employed as a machinist, retiring from M.S. Willett in 1998. He was the ultimate "jack of all trades" and ready and willing to help anyone with a project. John was a hunter, trapper, and fisherman but most enjoyed working in his large garden and caring for his fruit and nut trees. Being a lifelong learner, he was an avid reader, interested in history, biblical archeology, nature, science, natural health remedies, and was always ready for a game of dodgeball or chess.
John's loss will be felt by many. Visitation at St. Ignatius on Thursday, March 13, 2025 beginning at 10am, with Funeral Mass at 11am, internment at St. Ignatius church cemetery. To contribute to John Widman's memory, donations can be made in his honor on behalf of St. Ignatius Church, Little Sisters of the Poor, 533 East Jarrettsville Road, Forest Hill, MD 21050, stignatiushickory.org.
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