Obituary of Louis Widhalm

Louis William Widhalm age 70 of Salina, Kansas and formerly of Limon, Colorado passed away Sunday, July 17, 2016 at his home in Salina, Kansas. He was born, November 24, 1945 in Hill City, Kansas to Vera Wanda (Cullum) and Donald Louis Widhalm. In 1955 his family moved to Salina, Kansas where Louis attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, where he was also an Alter Boy. In 1963 his family moved to Limon, Colorado where he began his senior year at Limon High School for a short time and then completed his GED. After moving to Limon, Louis met his future bride, Sharon Kay Mease in 1964 when she backed into his Ford Galaxie 500 in the school parking lot. Louis married Sharon on December 29, 1965 at The First Baptist Church of Limon, by Reverend Osburn. Louis and Sharon made their home in Limon, Colorado. To this union two children were born; Richard Louis Widhalm and Lisa Kay Widhalm. While in his teens, Louis often worked construction jobs with his dad. Louis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on October 4, 1965 and discharged on October 24, 1968 as a Sargent. While in the Marines, he was certified by the 3D Marine Aircraft Wing, Motor Transport School. He served a tour in Vietnam from December 1965 to December 1967 where he worked in the 7th Separate Bulk Fuel Company. After discharge from the Marines and returning home, over the next 17 years, he worked as a delivery route salesman for both Meadow Gold Dairy and Wonder Bread and Hostess Cake. While working as a route salesman, he also worked as a refrigeration repair and sales man. Before leaving Limon, Louis worked as the manager for the Shamrock Gas Station. Louis was an active member in the community serving as a Boy Scout Leader from 1977-1979. He was a member of the First Baptist Church for many years, during which time he served as a Sunday School Teacher and as a Deacon. In 1987 Louis moved back to Kansas, making his home in Salina. He worked for El Dorado Motors, Exide Battery, and then furthered his education as a machinist through the Salina Vo-Tech. He then went to work for Exline where he remained for 16 years before retiring in May of 2014. Louis began his battle with cancer in April of 2015 and died July 17, 2016 in Salina, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Kay (Mease) Widhalm and sister-in-law Terry Widhalm. Louis is survived by his son, Richard and (Debbie) Widhalm of Colorado Springs, Colorado and daughter, Lisa and (Bart) Chambers of Hugo, Colorado; his parents, Donald and Vera Widhalm of Minneapolis, Kansas; 3 brothers, Larry Widhalm of Oakley, Kansas, Patrick Widhalm of Minneapolis, Kansas and Wayne and (Debbie) Widhalm of Salina, Kansas; 2 sisters Veronica Widhalm and Bernadette Widhalm both of Minneapolis, Kansas. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Brittany Widhalm , Zachary Widhalm, Cody and (Jessica) Chambers, Kiandra Chambers, Cindy Chambers, and Jacob Chambers. Also, 2 great-grandchildren, Dusty Chambers, Lane Chambers; a niece Kristina Widhalm, 2 great nephews, Brayden and Bryson Widhalm.