Elaine Widner

Elaine Widner, 81, of Willmar, died Friday, February 20 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud. Her memorial service will be 6:00 pm, Friday, March 20 at Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. 

Elaine Anthoinette Widner was born on December 16, 1944, in Orange, Texas to George Brown and Clytell (Howard) Brown. She spent her early years in Gladewater, Texas, where she attended elementary school. Later, her family relocated to Hobbs, New Mexico, and she graduated from high school there in 1963.

After graduation, Elaine pursued higher education at New Mexico State University. During her time there, she met the love of her life, Jimmy Widner. The couple was married on June 7, 1964, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Throughout their marriage, they made their home in several states—including Fargo, North Dakota, Longmont, Colorado, Fremont, Ohio, and Willmar, Minnesota—as Jim’s career led them to new opportunities.

Elaine devoted her life to caring for her husband and their two sons, Justin Widner and Brandon Widner. She found great joy and pride in raising her family and creating a warm, loving home. Elaine had a passion for sewing, baking, and flower arranging, but above all else, she cherished time spent with her family. She and Jim were faithful members of the Church of Christ in Kandiyohi.

Elaine is lovingly remembered by her husband, Jim; her grandchildren, Madison (Cole) Midthun and Zachary Widner.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sons, Justin and Brandon; her parents, George and Clytell; stepfather, Billy Blankenship; and her twin brother, Anthony Brown.

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