Memories of Richard

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We will include these submissions on this page.

I remember well when Dick and Tom Wittkamper constructed the 4 temporary classrooms at HCS and the hours and hours they spent building the classrooms. (Stan Lind)

Dr Widder was my first male teacher in the 5th grade and probably my first crush. He was so handsome and kind that WE ALL loved him! My condolences to your family. (Susan [Marsh] Kureck)

I am so sorry for your family. Please know that I am praying for you during this difficult time that God will give you His peace and comfort. (Nina Felker)

I remember Dr. Widder as soft-spoken man for God. (Kathy Sheeley)

Thank you to the family for sharing your memories of Richard. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. God bless your family and give you His peace and comfort. Sending our love to Nancy and the family. (Gene & Carol Hecker)

We’re thankful to have known and to have been privileged to serve our Lord with Richard and Nancy also since 1976. Richard was a humble, caring, kind and faithful servant of our Lord Jesus. (Bob & Jane Mitchell)

I looked forward to seeing Dr. Widder at church each week and I would go out of my way to find him. I could never bring myself to call him by his first name because of the great respect I had for him. I loved talking with him about the Bible and I learned so much from his calm assurance, humility and love for his Savior. Then there was that glimmer in his eye when he would come out with a well-crafted comment that showed his sly sense of humor. A lot if times, when someone goes to heaven, we envision them "dancing with Jesus". I think Dr. Widder sat Jesus down and started on his list of questions. (Cheryl Berdan)

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. (Tom Wittkamper)

Dr. Widder worked at my school. He was a kind man. I remember running into him one day in Milwaukee on my way to Nash Park. He knew who I was and said hello. His daughter Wendy was also my 5th grade teacher, I still remember the butterfly dress she wore on our first day. His daughter Suzy was my English teacher in high school. Dr. Widder and his wife raised a great family! My sincere condolences to the Widder family♡ Happy he fulfilled 2 Corinthians 5:8! (Rachel Hibbard)

We very much appreciate the MANY ministries of Dr. Widder over the 48 years we knew him. His ministries included service to the children of Milwaukee Public Schools as a psychologist and supervising psychologist, service to Milwaukee area students and parents as a Heritage Christian School Board member, and service to the members of Spring Creek (Garfield Baptist) Church in many ways including chairman of the Board of Deacons. The song "Faithful" says, "May those who come behind us find us faithful; May the fire of our devotion light their way; May the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe, and the lives we live inspire them to obey." Mission accomplished, Dr. Richard Widder! (Michael & Arlene Sershon)

I always enjoyed our interaction with Dr Widder and his wife. We connected for a few minutes each Sunday after our class ended and before the Kings Men and Daughters class started. They would be getting munchies, finding their seats and we would have catch up conversation. We used to chat about faith, family and other topics. He was a bright, sharp minded and kind hearted man. My wife remembers him as an AWANA leaders during her youth. We felt he was striving to be a man of God used for His service. Dr. Widder's leadership will be a lasting legacy with the people he touched. Thank you for serving the Kingdom for the Lord's glory. We're praying for your family during this time. (Kevin & Sandy Burns)

First we share our sympathy with you, Nancy and your children and grandchildren, during this time of loss. You continue to be in our prayers. In the years I knew Richard at Garfield he was always a caring mentor to me, sharing insights, wisdom and encouragement. In more recent years since we have moved away he has been a faithful e-mail pal, still sharing wisdom and encouragement, but mostly sharing his deep love for you, Nancy, Bonnie, Kerry, Suzy and Wendy. We have come to know and appreciate you all. We will sadly miss him. (Lynne and Chuck Oehmcke)

Mr. Widder was one of the 1st men introduced to me when I moved to Wisconsin and started working at Herirage Christian. He was an encouragement to me in many ways and helped me organize curriculum for my classes. Very thankful for his calm, steady advice! (Ruth Buehler)

Richard will never, ever be forgotten! I pray God will comfort you with the legacy of servanthood he has left and a lifetime of precious memories! Love you! (Beverly Melder)

My tribute is to share one of my fondest memories - playing in the playhouse Richard built in the basement. It was amazing! Shingles and all! It was a lucky happenstance to be neighbors and have the privilege to play at the Widder's house. Was a bright spot in my life to have them out my backyard. A memory I cherish to this day. (Sandy Passineau)