Maynard Widmer

Maynard G. Widmer, 88 of Wayland, died Thursday, July 21, 2005 near Fern Cliff Park while picking blackberries.

A memorial service will be held 10:00 A.M. Thursday, July 28, 2005 at the Bethel Mennonite Church with Rev. Herb Yoder officiating. His body has been cremated. Private family burial will be held prior to the service at the Bethel Cemetery. Visitation will begin at Noon Wednesday at Bethel Mennonite Church with family receiving friends from 6-8:00 in the evening. Beatty Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials in the name of Maynard Widmer may be designated to the Parkview Home, MCC or Mennonite Mission Network.

Maynard was born July 5, 1917 near Noble, Iowa the son of Daniel and Mary (Graber) Widmer. He graduated from Wayland High School in 1935 and the University of Iowa in 1942 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He was united in marriage to Bessie Bawel June 29, 1958 in Wellman, Iowa.

Maynard was a member of Bethel Mennonite Church. Following college he was an engineer at Elliott Co. and Carver Pump in Muscatine for several years. In 1945-1947 he helped MCC in Europe with refugees and food distribution. In the mid 50s he returned to the family farm north of Noble and farmed until his death. He enjoyed nature, his fruit tree orchard and traveling.

Survivors include children Kate Shantz and husband Steve of Goshen, IN, John Widmer and fiancé Denise Stauffer of Noble and Lois A. Widmer of Goshen, IN; sister Gladys C. Widmer of Goshen, IN and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and infant brother Dale.