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Guestbook

Please enter your name, city, and brief description of how you knew Richard, and we will add you to the guestbook below. Thank you for blessing us with your presence here!

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Friends & Family Who Stopped By

  • Steven Widder - Richard's nephew

  • Stan & Carol Lind (Mequon, WI) - Richard & I served on the board of Heritage Christian Schools for more than 30 years.

  • Mike Wittmer (Grand Rapids, MI) - through his daughter Wendy (& Suzy!)

  • Rachel Hibbard (Duluth, MN) - through Heritage Christian School

  • Emmylou Grosser (Golden Valley, MN) - friend of Richard's daughter Wendy

  • Becky Spruill (Virginia Beach, VA) - I knew Dr Widder first as my guidance counselor at Heritage Christian High School. Later, I attended the same church as his family at Spring Creek Church.

  • Gary & Audrey Griffith (Menomonee Falls, WI) - We knew Richard and Nancy since 1980.What a GREAT COUPLE they made.It was a Great HONOR TO Be his friend. He was a GODLY MAN and a GREAT Role Model for others to follow Yes RICHARD WILL BE MISSED. YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS LOVE AUDREY AND GARY GRIFFITH

  • Dan Crapo (Minneapolis, MN) - I know Richard by heritage of family and faith. I know daughter Wendy and son-in-law Rick. They speak about Richard's faith and influence in their life, especially Wendy. I was privileged to be in the audience to see Richard walk Wendy down the church aisle at Wendy and Rick's wedding.

  • Susan (Kureck) Marsh (West Bend, WI) - Mr. Widder was my 5fth grade teacher at Engleberg Elementary school in Milwaukee.

  • Kristina Lyden (Wauwatosa, WI) - I knew Mr. Widder from Awana’s and Wendy and Suzi’s Dad.

  • Jason Hand (Brookfield, WI) - I never had the pleasure to meet Mr Widder..... but I feel his legacy everyday as I walk into Spring Creek Church. I am blessed to serve there as Children’s Pastor.

  • Dale Klein (Crossville, TN) - He was my Awana Pals director at Garfield when I was in high school; challenged me to take the TMS scripture memory course; was a leadership example to me, which resulted in my lifelong career/ministry in Awana. Thank you, Mr. Widder!!

  • Jeff & Julie Sanders (Redmond, OR) - I (Julie) had the pleasure of staying in the Widder home and being blessed in friendship by youngest daughter Wendy. Richard’s life’s legacy touched my own life and I’m grateful.

  • David & Jennie Tietjen (Waukesha, WI) - Although we had never met Dr. Widder, as members of Spring Creek Church, our hearts grieve with the family of Richard in his passing on to glory. But we rejoice with you that we will see him again...whole, well and with the Lord. Praying for all of the Widder family at this time.

  • Don Anderson (Franklin, WI) - Garfield/Spring Creek, Awana historian

  • Barbara L. Smith (Monument, CO) -  My parents were friends of Richard and Nancy in their early years at Garfield, and my brother & I were blessed to be the ring bearer and flower girl in their wedding. Loved getting reacquainted with them in their twilight years. Love to Nancy and family. 

  • Dave & Tracy Alexanian (Menomonee Falls, WI) - Friends of Wendy and Suzy and long time acquaintances of Richard through SCC.

  • Nina Felker (Brookfield, WI) - From church, and on various committees there.

  • Carl & Jean Schwerman (Brookfield, WI) - From his many years of ministry @ Spring Creek Church - will be in prayer for the comfort of family members - Richard will be deeply missed as he was a Blessing to us all. Our deepest condolences.

  • Mark & Julie Bulanow (Sturtevant, WI) - Thru many years at Garfield Baptist now Spring Creek Church. Friends of Kerry, Wendy & Suzi. Deepest sympathy, mixed with the greatest joy knowing Dr. Widder most definitely heard "Well done my good and faithful servant" from our Lord and King. What a legacy he's left behind, but what a life he's only just begun. Our love, Mark and Julie

  • Dale Brueggemann - I never knew Dr. Widder, except through a few of Wendy's blogs and Facebook posts, where I caught a glimpse of a godly and kind man. Janice and I offer our sincere condolences to the extended family and circle of friends who experience this time as personal loss and a reminder of our blessed hope in Christ. Dale & Janice Brueggemann

  • Bruce Hoefler (Waukesha, WI) - Grew up with his daughter, Wendy at Garfield Baptist Church.

  • David & Susan Friedkin  (St. Clair, MI) -  Growing up at Garfield allowed me to be influenced by many Godly men and women. He was a speaker who talked with us during my AWANA years and at different times coming up thru the Sunday School Program. He knew the Bible, walked with Jesus and spoke truth into my life as a boy and young man. I still remember one of his talks in particular and have thought about his words over these many years. Our prayers are with the Widder Family!

  • Michael & Arlene Sershon (Milwaukee, WI) - We have known Richard since 1972 as members of Spring Creek (Garfield Baptist) Church. Arlene was a colleague of Dr. Richard Widder in Milwaukee Public Schools for many years.

  • Judy Johnson (Springfield, OH) - I never met Richard, but know of him and his work through Wendy.

  • David Schultz (Colleyville, TX) - Dr. Widder was a strong, stable force for good. He was a teacher and a witness to God’s kingdom. I will always remember him.

  • Elissa Pitman (Conway, AR) - Friend of Wendy; I never met Richard, but I am a School Psych also and am incredibly grateful to have the book he and Wendy wrote.

  • Jason Hedstrand (Stillwater, MN) - Good old Garfield Baptist Church days. I was friends with Wendy through the Crossroads Young Adult class. I mostly knew Richard through the halls of Garfield.

  • Dave & Pat DeBuhr (Blaine, MN) - Garfield Ave Baptist Church. Lots of great memories and friends of Dick and Nancy. We lost one of the great pillars in history of Garfield / Spring Creek Church. He will be greatly missed.

  • Saralee Howard & Jim Schultz (St. John, MI) - We are friends of Keith and Agnes Widder and of Wendy Widder Huisken.

  • Cindy Barker (Hartford, WI)

  • Verne & Jeannie Smith (Clermont, FL) - I was Minister/Music and Jeannie was Pianist at Garfield Baptist Church, Wauwatosa (Milwaukee), Wisconsin 1980-1986+. Dick was a very faithful and supporting member and special friend to us.

  • Diana O'Connor (Grand Rapids, MI) - Friend of Wendy's from GRTS

  • Steven Sinclair (Seminole, FL) - He was my Milwaukee Braves buddy. He was a trusted, calm, godly co-laborer at Heritage Christian. He kept me centered around good things. I also loved his strawberry shortcake. Ah...Green Lake! See you in glory, Doc. I love you.

  • Danielle Hinman (Randolph, NY) -  I lived with Suzy in college and had the privilege of visiting her parents' home. We will be praying for your families Suzy and Wendy.

  • Scott & Lynne Winter (Milwaukee, WI) - Scott remembers how Dr. Widder would shovel snow at the old Garfield Baptist on Hwy 100. He remembers his boots and Colombo coat. Even though Dr Widder was head of the board he could be seen often shoveling and salting so that the older people would be safe coming to church. Lynne remembers singspirations at the Widder home. Many years of AWANA with Nancy. Enjoying friendships with Bonnie, teaching with Suzie, singing with Kerry, and playing with baby Wendy. I also taught a Daniel class with Wendy’s study. I liked Dr Widder’s humor and honesty.

  • Sarah De Mey (Comstock Park, MI) - I knew Richard through his amazing daughter, Wendy.

  • Nathan & Karmen Engbers (Sioux Falls, SD) - Sister to Rick and Wendy Huisken

  • Andre & Celleste Ptak (Menomonee Falls, WI) - Richard was one of the first we met after joining Spring Creek, he was a wonderful friend throughout our time there.

  • Marc & Heidi Cunningham (Loveland, CO) - Sister to Rick and Wendy Huisken

  • Jermaine & Tammy Keller (Fredericksburg, VA) - I knew Dr. Widder from growing up at Garfield Baptist Church and being good friends with Wendy!

  • Trudy Huisken (Rock Valley, IA) - Wendy's husband, Rick, is my son

  • Beverly Melder (Brookfield, WI) - Friends since 1960 at Garfield Baptist Church and presently at Spring Creek.

  • Allie Wisth (Kewaskum, WI) - I knew him as "Grandpa"!

  • Bob & Sarah Lehman (Ada, MI) - from being friends with Wendy

  • Chuck & Lynne Oehmcke - Garfield Baptist Church

  • David & Carol Loftis (Greensboro, NC) - Served with him at Garfield/Spring Creek for 15 years...dear man of God and mentor for my early pastoring days. Love him and Nancy and the family! Our prayers are with you all in this loss... love, David & Carol

  • Mark & Sandra MacKay (Waukesha, WI) - We've known Doc for many years through Heritage Christian Schools. He was a blessing to all of us and he loved serving. He was truly the epitome of "you before me."

  • Alan H. Widder (Sun City Center, FL) - My oldest brother, who I will always look up to.

  • Pearl R. Widder (Sun City Center, FL) - My oldest brother-in-law, who was always friendly and always had a smile on his face.

  • Chrissy Friedkin Miller (Flanders, NJ) - I was/am a very close friend of Suzy's. Mr. Widder was always special to me, but after the death of my own father, he became like a second "dad" to me. So sorry for your loss.

  • Amy Gruetzmacher (Waukesha, WI) - I was blessed to get to know Doc through working at Heritage as well as being a member at Spring Creek. It was a blessing to know him, his smile and gentle spirit always made a difference. Thankful for the impact he had! Much love to the Widder family as we celebrate his homegoing.

  • Andy & Ruth Buehler (Pleasant Prairie, WI) - Father of our dear friend Suzy and Wendy. Also enjoyed working under Mr. Widder's leadership at Heritage Christian.

  • Steve Sabin (Blanchester, OH) - Met on just a couple occasions, I am brother-in-law to Kerry and know Wendy from Grand Rapids Baptist Theological Seminary.

  • Peter Krebs (Town of Erin, WI) - The greatest gift given to me by Doc Widder was the privilege of allowing me to marry his beautiful 2nd daughter, Suzy. Every positive virtue Richard exemplified is evident to my family through Suzy. His legacy lives on...True evidence of a great and loving father. Nearly every time I think of Doc Widder, this saying comes to mind, “measure twice, cut once.” Though not a spiritual saying, it defined him as careful, calculated and measured (pun intended). Doc reminded me of my dad who believed in sharing his testimony all of the time with everyone...and if you have to say something, then do so. It was an honor to know Doc Widder.

  • Erica Hodgson (Wauwatosa, WI) -  I work with Heartland Hospice. This is a beautiful tribute! Such love poured in. I appreciate feeling the deep connection tion of family and love and community. Thank you so much for sharing!

  • Leonard Widder (Sheboygan Falls, WI) -  I am a cousin and spent lots of time playing with him. His parents would usually stop in after Sunday morning church to visit.

  • Bob & Sandy Buehler (Sussex, WI) - I was a teacher in Menomonee Falls and went to Garfield Baptist Church.

  • Gale Schafer (Oregon, WI) - We came to Garfield in 1997. The first person we met was Nancy at the visitor kiosk. We soon met Richard. We felt very welcomed. You are a very special family. My heart and prayers have been with you that the Lord will give you His comfort.

  • Roberta Litke (Wendell, NC) - Richard was at Heritage in Milwaukee the year I taught fifth grade there. I had some challenging children in my class. He was such a support and encouragement to me and had so much wisdom that he readily shared.

  • Kevin & Jennifer Nicholson (Sussex, WI) - Spring Creek Church

  • Lee A. Dean (Plainwell, MI) - friend of daughter Wendy

  • Tammy Tissicino (Waukesha, WI) - Such a lovely tribute. I appreciate so much his years of dedication and leadership at Spring Creek Church

  • Barbara Larson (Pewaukee, WI) - Our family came to Garfield Baptist (now Spring Creek) in Pewaukee in 1997. From our first acquaintance with Dr. Widder to the last we found him to be a sweet, kind, Godly man - a gentleman through and through. Our deepest sympathy to the family.

  • Glen & Tanis Huebner (Milwaukee, WI) - Garfield Baptist Church and Heritage Christian School.

  • Tom & Amy Hutchison (Springfield, OH) - Garfield Baptist/Spring Creek Church

  • Dawn Hoefler (Milwaukee, WI) - I know him from growing up at Garfield Baptist Church

  • Kim Camp (Mequon, WI) - I knew Dr and Mrs Widder from Garfield Baptist Church. He was a soft spoken man, but someone with great insight and wisdom. I will have such good memories of a pillar of our faith community.

  • Mike & Karen Good (Waukesha, WI) - Church, but before that he was the guy you always shook hands with when you graduated from Heritage Christian High School.

  • Jim & Pat Hishmeh (Menomonee Falls, WI) - Old friend and so appreciated his last years when he would worship with us long after the normal person would have given up. He leaves a wonderful legacy and memories that will last until we meet in Glory. A great and good man.

  • Connie Boyden (Waukesha, WI) - Spring Creek Church

  • Alan & Jacque Graveen (Lannon, WI) - Richard belonged to Spring Creek Church formally Garfield Baptist Church. He was one of the first people we met when we started attending back in 1994. Richard was always taking time when he saw us to chat and share life with us. He will be greatly missed. We know that he is now in the presence of our Savior in perfect peace!

  • Carolyn Johnson (Menomonee Falls, WI) - Through SCC and our daughter Elisa and Wendy were best friends at Heritage Christian School and in youth group.

  • Shirley (Chicago, IL) - Richard married my sister Nancy. Just reading over the comments, I can see that he touched a lot of people with who he was.

  • Marilyn Buenning (Menomonee Falls, WI) - As a deacon and active member of Spring Creek Church. He always exemplified the Christian life and I appreciated that. He will truly be missed and remembered.

  • Sandy Passineau (Kewaskum, WI) - Grew up next door to the family in Menomonee Falls.

  • Steve & Sherri Pierce (Menomonee Falls, WI) - Fellow church members. We are grateful to have known this true gentleman and we look forward to seeing him again in Heaven.

  • Vicky Krajenka (Menomonee Falls, WI) - I knew of him threw my Dear Friend Cindy Barker and I worked side by side with Nancy at SCC at the Kiosk. Dear sweet people our Condolences & Prayers too the Family

  • Bruce & Lauren Brueckner (Brookfield, WI) - Garfield/Spring Creek

  • Louis Zeimet (West Allis, WI) -  Small acquaintance in lobby.

  • Tom Eaton (Grafton, WI) - friend

  • Heidi Koegel Plutul (Wauwatosa, WI) - I knew Richard from the Kings class and I attended Wendy's wedding.

  • Annette Bhatia (Brookfield, WI) -  I knew Dr and Mrs. Widder from Spring Creek Church. Our deepest sympathies.

  • George & Karen Mattila (Titusville, FL) - Kings class Bible study on Sunday morning at Spring Creek Church.

  • Steve & Heather Schaefer (Pewaukee, WI) - Spring Creek Church

  • Kelly Aukema (Mendota Heights, MN) - I knew Richard through his daughter Wendy's eyes to be a faithful father and a source of joy and comfort.

  • Gretchen Weis (Pewaukee, WI) - He was my guidance counselor in high school and I attended Spring Creek Church. So sorry for your loss. He was a kind and loving man.

  • Hank Nechvatal (Sussex) - Spring Creek Church, King's Class

  • Debbie Schulz -  I’ve known Mr. Widder, from Garfield Baptist Church, to Spring Creek Church! I’m the Blessed one to have known him! What a Wonderful Person!!! Praying & thinking of you & your Family! God has you wrapped in his Love.

  • Colleen Bresson (Estero, FL) - I remember fondly the whole Widder family from my Heritage school days! I loved having Wendy as a student and the support of the whole family.

  • Glenn Geithman (Pewaukee, WI) - Garfield Baptist Church/Spring Creek Church. He was an excellent model and example in my life.

  • Gene & Carol Hecker (Brookfield, WI) - Spring Creek Church

  • Robert Mitchell (Pewaukee, WI) - Fellow member at Springcreek Church and Garfield Baptist Church and Deacon serving

  • Kevin & Sandy Burns (Pewaukee, WI) - church

  • Art & Carol Kallie (Milwaukee, WI) - church

  • Doris Brueckner (Fort Myers Beach, FL) - Many years friends at Garfield Baptist church in 1958. Also they lived above us in our duplex, and at the Church on Hwy 100. A gentle Giant for our Lord. And also a gifted man. Will miss him.

  • Mike & Nancy Tavares (Waukesha, WI) - We knew Richard from Spring Creek Church. He interviewed us as part of the membership process.

  • Cheryl Berdan (Wauwatosa, WI) - Church

  • Judy O'Harrow (Middletown, DE) - I worked with him at Heritage.

  • Mark & Diane Millard (Pewaukee, WI) - Richard would join us at the kiosk as his wife, Nancy, served there. Richard was a patient and Godly man who had the respect of all who knew him.

  • Neal & Mary Langley (Bellingham, WA) - By attending Wendy and Rick's wedding. I loved how Wendy and her dad processed down the aisle--the most loving gesture. Through Wendy's blogs we have learned how much she loved her dad. He was very blessed by all his family and must have felt very loved.

  • Henry & Judy Gunnink (Inver Grove Heights, MN) - We are friends with Wendy and in knowing Wendy we had a glimpse of the blessing her father was to her and to many others.

  • Becky Sappington (Milwaukee, WI) - I met Dr. Widder at Spring Creek Church. Although I didn't know him well, his life and his legacy were reflected through his children.

  • Elizabeth Uecker (Menomonee Falls, WI) - I didn't know him, but I know Pete and Suzy and family and can only imagine he was a wonderful man judging by the children he raised. I'm so sorry for your loss but rejoice with you that he is now completely whole and in the presence of his Savior.

  • Bob & Kathy Pereira (Pewaukee, WI) - Heritage Christian School. He was on the school board for many years. I was also his daughter’s (Wendy) teacher in junior high and high school.

  • Sarah Vander Kolk (Grand Rapids, MI) - I was good friends with his daughter Wendy and took a boat to Wisconsin to visit her for a few days at her parents' house. We had a great time and I remember her parents were very thoughtful, genuine, warm, and welcoming. I especially loved our time sitting and talking at the table together after meals! Precious people! Thankful I had the privilege to meet them! ♥️

  • Lois Thompson (Mukwonago, WI) - Nancy and I have been friends for at least 70 years. We have known one another through dating years and marriage. Jack & I have known Nancy and Richard as a couple and have had many hours of friendship and fellowship through the years. Years and lives change and we will all meet again at the feet of Jesus for Eternity! We sorrow but not as those who have no hope, our Sympathy to the family.

  • Tom & Barbara Burton (Pewaukee, WI) - We enjoyed knowing Richand and Nancy through Spring Creek Church, Kings Class. They lifted us up in prayer many times and added to the richness of our lives through their faith and fellowship. We celebrate Richard's life with our Lord along with Nancy and their loved ones. In Christ's love, Barb & Tom

  • Dave & Jackie Krebs (Merton, WI) -  I had the pleasure and opportunity to to know Richard through Garfield Baptist Church, Now Spring Creek Church. I served with Richard on the deacon board and on different committees. Richard was a very well organized and efficient man. Alway kind, with a great smile and hand shake. Even in the later years when I would meet Richard he greeted me with a warm smile and positive outlook. I know Richard is now home with his Lord and Savior. Serving God faithfully as he did his family and Church on earth. Until we meet again someday, it was a blessing to have known and served with you. God bless, Dave & Jackie Krebs

  • Scott & Tammy O'Neal (Pewaukee, WI) - Fellow Garfield Baptist/Spring Creekers, friends of Suzy and Wendy. Dr. Widder did Scott's deacon interview when we joined the church and what an impression he made! We have lost a spiritual giant from our midst - a most humble servant who exuded the joy and strength of the Lord. His care of his family and love for Jesus and God's word were exemplary. We have looked up to him from the day we met him.

  • Keith Widder (East Lansing, MI) - My oldest brother. It is heartwarming to read all of the kind things that so many are saying about Dick. He was the real deal throughout his entire life.

  • Agnes Haigh Widder (East Lansing, MI) - Richard was one of my two brothers-in-law, almost like a father-in-law, given our age differences, and the fact that their own father was gone before I came into the Widder family.

  • Tom Frost (Wauwatosa, WI) - Garfield/Spring Creek Appreciated Richard's example of a Christian man serving in many roles at Garfield/Spring Creek. Prayers are with the family.

  • Liza Klahr (Waukesha, WI) - I had the honor to be one of Richard’s at-home caregivers and take him and Nancy to church!

  • Victoria Patino (Romeoville, IL) - I had the amazing opportunity to be Richard & Nancy’s caretaker for a year ❤️

  • Monica M. (Milwaukee, WI) - I am the hospice chaplain that looked after Richard at the Waterford in West Bend.

  • Jim & Cindy McKelvey (West Allis, WI) - We’ve known this dear man for 30 years, through working together at Heritage. He impacted our lives and the lives of so many others. He will truly be missed.

  • Nancy Rochwite Wendt (West Best, WI) - Richard was a quiet kind soul. I enjoyed his presence on the board and then as the counselor as I worked at Heritage. You, his family, are his greatest legacy. Bless you! Nancy Rochwite Wendt

  • Deb Turtenwald (Hartford, WI) - I actually know Suzy through Stampin Up and we have become friends. She is the best and I'm sure part of that is being raised by two wonderful parents. My sympathy and I know your faith will help you through this time.

  • Rodney & Janice Ross (Brookfield, WI) - Served together as deacons at SCC and were brothers and sister in Christ, saying hello when we saw each other.

  • Rev. Paul & Sally A. Cady (Waukesha, WI) - He was a dear friend from Garfield Baptist Church and from the board at Heritage Christian School.

  • Dave & Carol Winter (Brookfield, WI) - We were privileged to have known Doc Widder through our years at Heritage Christian School. Dave recalls his appreciation for Doc's wit and candor that was shared with a godly perspective.

  • Samantha Gonzalez (Waukesha, WI) - I was one of Richard's caregivers.

  • Dena Clark (Brandon, FL) - friend of Wendy

  • Tom Wittkamper - Doc was a great friend. He was brilliant, loyal, and totally dedicated to serving the Lord. He was a great listener and incredibly empathetic. I've missed our times together over the past several years, but look forward to spending eternity together. Blessings to your family.

  • Lin K. Sebena - Knew him through his daughters Suzy & Wendy; worked with him at Heritage Christian School.

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