Ernest “Ernie” Edward Widiker Jr. Age 82, of Birchwood, WI, died Tuesday, November 19, 2024 in Hayward, WI.

He was born on April 27, 1942 in Milwaukee, WI to Ernest Sr and Wilma (Dilley) Widiker. Ernie graduated from Birchwood High School in 1960. He eloped with Elizabeth Allen on September 6, 1961 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Ernie worked for Sears Company and a hardware company in Rockford, Illinois, they moved to Birchwood in 1974. He worked for Birchwood Township, owned and operated Birchwood Small Engines and Widiker Forest Products, worked for Birchwood Lumber and Veneer, raised beef cattle, drove school bus and also was a classroom aid on the school playground. He loved hunting, his golden retriever dogs, woodworking, gardening, and most of all, being in the woods. Ernie was a very affectionate man, family was everything to him, loved them unconditionally and was very proud of them all.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Widiker; 3 sons, Brian (Sally) Widiker, Tim (Mindy) Widiker and Greg (Christina) Widiker; 6 grandchildren, Brian Jr., Jordan, Abigail, Trae, Quinn and Ava; 2 brothers, Dennis (Lillian) Widiker and Ken (Kathy) Widiker; a niece and 3 nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Sr and Wilma Widiker; a brother-in-law, Frank III “Skip” (Judy) Allen; a nephew, Frank Allen IV.

A celebration of his life will be held from 4-6PM Monday, November 25, 2024 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake with a brief service to begin at 6PM Monday.

Last Update: Nov 21, 2024 2:02 pm CST