Russell Widdis

A Celebration of Russ’ life will be held 11 AM Saturday, March 21 at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman with the Rev. Kenneth S. Babcock officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Bridgman. Friends may meet with the family from 5-8 PM Friday and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Russ passed away on Wednesday, March 18 after a brief illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Berrien County Youth Fair or Hospice at Home.

Russ was born June 13, 1939 in Buchanan the son of the late Harold and Mary (Kandupa) Widdis. On August 22, 1980 he married Susan Pickles-Wiggins. Susan survives along with their sons – Michael (Theresa Larson) Widdis of Pasco, Washington, Randy (Treva) Widdis of Reddick, Florida, Brett (Laura) Wiggins of Mishawaka, Indiana, and Chad (Cortney) Wiggins of Ann Arbor; and one grandson, Zach Hamm of Reddick, Florida. Russ is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Caroline Widdis of Baroda; brothers- and sisters-in-law – Richard and Patricia Ham and Larry and Sarajane Pickles all of Niles; nieces and nephews – Richard (Angela) Widdis, Tina (David) Cramton, Todd (Veronica) Ham, Chris (Krista) Ham, Jeff (Kim) Ham, and Erika Pickles.

Russ graduated in 1957 from New Troy High School and enlisted in the Michigan National Guard. A successful businessman, he worked as a Sales Rep. for Schultz Industrial Supply in St. Joseph; Michigan Gas Utilities in Benton Harbor; owned and operated Thunderbird Amoco and Towing in Sebring, Florida. Since 1993, he’s been with AFLAC Insurance as an Associate and District Coordinator.

Russ was a life member of the Berrien County Youth Fair and served on many community volunteer agencies. He also served as a Gate Captain for Notre Dame football games and other Notre Dame events. Russ was a member of the National Corvette Owners Association and an avid fan of NASCAR and drag racing. He participated and enjoyed family horse showing, traveling, and summers at his lake home in Manitou Beach, Michigan.

Visitation

Friday March 20, 2009 , 5-8 PM at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel

Funeral Service

Saturday March 21, 2009 , 11 AM at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel

Commital Service

Saturday March 21, 2009 at Graceland Cemetery