John Milton Widener JR Obituary (2024)

John Milton Widener Jr., resident of Selah, Washington, was born in Weiser, Idaho on November 29, 1943. He passed away after a short courageous battle with cancer, on September 30, 2024, at 1:15pm John graduated from Weiser High School. He went on to a long and proud military career in the Army. He had several tours, including two tours in Korea, one to Thailand, one to Okinawa, plus three tours in Germany, where he met and married his wife, and several tours stateside in Kentucky twice, Maryland, and Texas. He retired from the army in 1987, after a career of 23 years with the rank of first sergeant E-8. He was a successful business owner and operator of Bonnie and Clyde's Brake and Safety Center, in Yakima, for 20 years. He had many talents and pursuits. He loved hunting, fishing, rock hounding, gold panning, gardening, taking care of his mini farm, and many animals. He was a talented artisan, making beautiful hand forged knives with hand sewn sheaths, cute horseshoe garden sculptures, as well as making anything needed or from his imagination. After retiring, he added baking to his skills and was a great baker. He baked cookies, cherry pie bars, harvest breads, and yummy cakes for all his friends and family. He loved traveling in his fifth wheel and exploring nature. He also enjoyed going to the Yakima Rotary Aquatic Center, where he met some great friends. Staying fit and active was important to him. John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Erika Irene Widener, his daughter, Diana Irene Wendlandt, son-in-law, Patrick Brady Wendlandt, grandchildren, Brady John Wendlandt, Garret (Greta) James Wendlandt, sisters, Mary Lacey, Bernadine Chamberlin, Ethel Cooper, Katherine Hausman, brothers, Raymond Widener, Clayburn Widener, and Carl Widener. He is preceded in death by his mother, Vadus Widener, father, John Milton Widener Sr., and sisters, Annetta Langley, and Lillian Abrahamson. John Milton Widener Jr. will be fiercely missed for he had a love of life, family, friends, and nature. He was humble, kind and a true on of a kind. There wasn't a mountain he couldn't climb, a fish he couldn't catch, or person who wouldn't smile after meeting John. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. Details will follow with confirmation of venue. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation, in John's name, to the Yakima County Veterans Relief Fund. Memorial contributions may be sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936), who is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.