Linda Widman
Godfrey | Save
Linda Kay Widman, née Klopmeier, 80, formerly of Fort Myers, FL, left her earthly home in Lakeland, FL, and entered into her Heavenly peace on August 6, 2026.
Linda was born on May 22, 1946, in Alton, IL to the late Roland and Anita Klopmeier. She was raised in Bethalto, IL alongside her older sister, Janet.
Linda graduated from Civic Memorial High School in 1964, then attended Southern Illinois University - Alton Campus. She received her B.S. from Deaconess Hospital School of Radiologic Technology. Throughout her dedicated career she served patients at Wood River Township Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital and Doctors' Clinic as a registered Radiologic and Nuclear Medicine Technologist.
Linda's faith and love for Jesus as Savior and her love of music were interwoven throughout her life. Linda could play the organ, piano and saxophone. She had a beautiful voice, singing with various church and community choirs over the years; her last one being with the praise team at Zion Lutheran Church in Ft Myers where she was a member.
Linda enjoyed taking and sharing photographs, sending greeting cards, calling to sing “Happy Birthday” to her friends and family, playing cards and dominoes, and hosting ‘sing-a-longs’ in her home.
Linda married Phillip R. Whitlock in 1967. In January, 1977, they welcomed their son, Brad Alan Whitlock whom she loved with all her heart. Though their marriage ended in divorce, they remained friends.
Linda met Fred E. Widman in 1993, then married on December 10, 1995. They lived in Godfrey, IL, sharing twenty-four years together, enjoying traveling in their motorhome, taking cruises and spending time with family and friends at their lake. They spent winters in FL, where Linda eventually made her residency after his passing in December, 2017.
Through her marriage to Fred, Linda gained a large and loving family whom she embraced as her own. She leaves to cherish her memory, six children; Brad Whitlock of Maryville, IL; Karen Widman of Farmer City, IL; Sandy (Collin) Meyer of Lakeland, FL; Kathy Lewis of Godfrey, IL; LaNae Widman of Jerseyville, IL and Keith (Annie) Widman of Springfield, IL; twelve grandchildren and their spouses; and twenty-one great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law, William Kutter of Edwardsville, IL; a niece, Dr. Kathy Kaelin of CO; nephews, Ryan (Hayley) Kutter of GA and Jeff (Janelle) Kutter of FL; three great-nieces; one great-nephew; and the MANY dear friends she made throughout her life.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Janet Kutter; sons, Gary, Jim, and Terry Widman; great-grandson, Koen Widman; and her dear friend, Ruth “Boots” Widman.
Linda wanted all of her family and friends to know that she loved each of you and felt very blessed to have you in her life. Her motto: “There’s always something to be thankful for” reflected the way she lived: with faith, gratitude, joy, and a generous heart open to others. Linda was loved by all who truly knew her and will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, Bethalto with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.
As per her wishes, Linda was cremated. In lieu of flowers, she requested that memorials be made to: Women’s Ministry Center, 2418 Bloomer Dr, Alton, IL 62002.
