Joe L. Widmer

Joe L. Widmer, 50, of West Lafayette, died October 2, 2005 in St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Lafayette. He had been in failing health since the end of July.

He was born March 30, 1955 in Lafayette. He was a 1973 graduate of Benton Central High School.

His marriage was to Connie Sue Purcell on March 16, 1974 in Faith Lutheran Church, Otterbein. She preceded him in death on April 10, 2003.

Joe was a lifelong farmer who started helping as a young boy and began his own career farming grain when he was 17.

He enjoyed following the Benton Central athletics program and Purdue Basketball. He loved to go camping with his wife Connie, their children and their friends.

He was a very active member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church and was a member of Montmorenci Cemetery Association Board. He was also a member of the Benton Central FFA Alumni and was the leader of the 4-H Tractor Driving Contest.

Surviving are his children, Chad (Sarah) Widmer of Otterbein, Janelle (Brian) Hardebeck and Whitney Widmer of West Lafayette; his parents, Ernest "Bud" and Ruth Marie (Schwamberger) Widmer and two brothers, Ralph Widmer of Brookston and Paul (Linda) Widmer of West Lafayette; his mother-in-law, Anna Purcell, brothers-in-law Mike (Faye) Purcell and George (Yvonne) Purcell; sisters-in-law Janet (Rob) McKinney and Patty (Chuck) Kirts and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death with his wife are his father-in-law, George Purcell and a niece, Lindsay McKinney.

Funeral services were in the Otterbein United Methodist Church on Thursday, October 6, with Rev. David Smitley officiating.

Burial was in Montmorenci Cemetery.

Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home, Brookston was in charge of the service.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Otterbein United Methodist Church or the Joe & Connie Widmer Memorial Scholarship Fund.