Terry Widman
Jerseyville |
Terry Lee Widman, 65, passed away at 9:03 a.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on September 14, 1959, in Jerseyville, he was the son of the late Fred E. and Ruth M. (Bastien) Widman. A lifelong resident of Jersey County, Terry was a proud graduate of the Jersey Community High School Class of 1977 and went on to attend Quincy Technical College.
From a young age, Terry understood the value of hard work, honesty and integrity. He grew up working alongside his father in the family business, Widman Construction. His roles started with greasing and dispatching trucks to truck driving and operating equipment, and eventually leading the company as the second-generation president. Under his leadership, the business continued to thrive, and after his retirement, he took great pride in seeing his sons carry on the 73 year family legacy.
On September 22, 1979, Terry married his high-school sweetheart, LaNae Hessel, at Alton First Southern Baptist Church. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, love, and the importance of family. Their home was filled with warmth, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the blessings God bestowed upon them.
Terry’s professional success was undeniable, but if you asked him, he would tell you that it was not his doing – it was God who provided everything he accomplished. He carried himself with unwavering integrity, working hard yet always remaining grateful for all he had.
His faith became the core of who he was, guiding his every decision and shaping his role as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures – watching his beloved St. Louis Blues and St. Louis Cardinals and taking in nature’s beauty while spending time outdoors. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball and softball then later spent countless hours coaching his three children. Winters in Florida became a cherished tradition, and his passion for tinkering with old cars, clocks and equipment kept him busy even in retirement.
Terry was the kind of man people were proud to call a friend – always eager to lend a helping hand or an ear, and always up for a good time. His greatest pride, however, was his family. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and their spouses whom he loved dearly. He enjoyed spoiling his grandkids with “trinkets and whatnots” and always had candy on hand in his pocket. He was quick to start up a game of cards or get them set up on go karts. At the lake, he cherished taking his grandchildren—and those he lovingly considered as his own—on golf cart rides, sharing the beauty of God’s creation while listening to their thoughts and stories.
He is survived by his wife, LaNae; two sons and their spouses, Travis (Kim) Widman and Daniel (Joanna) Widman of Godfrey; his daughter, Meaghan (Parker) Blackorby of Godfrey; four grandchildren, Mason, Abigail, Hana, and Harrison Widman; his sisters, Sandy (Collin) Meyer of Lakeland, FL, and Kathy Lewis of Godfrey; his brother, Keith Widman of Springfield; his sister-in-law, Karen Widman of Farmers City; his step-mother, Linda Widman of Fort Myers, FL; and brothers and sisters-in-law, John (Barb) Hessel of St. Louis, MO, James (Denise) Hessel of Alton, and Rolla (Debbie) Hessel of St. Louis, MO, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Gary Widman; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Louise Hessel; a sister-in-law, Brenda Hessel; as well as two nieces, Katie White and Kathy Brutton and a dear cousin, Danny Hessel.
Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 9 a.m. until time of Memorial Service at 1 p.m. at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Terry’s brother-in-law, John Hessel will officiate. There will be no graveside services.
In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be given to Hands Up Housing or Children’s Advocacy Center of Illinois-Jersey County Chapter.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home
