Dodgeville – James J. Widder, age 82, of Dodgeville, died on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Upland Hills Health in Dodgeville.

He was born on August 21, 1935 in Sheboygan, a son of the late Reno and Audrey (Kolb) Widder. He graduated from Sheboygan High School in 1953, as a member of the National Honor Society. Some of his accomplishments that he especially enjoyed were becoming an Eagle Scout, playing the French Horn and running track.

Being uncertain as to what he wanted to do in the future, he spent a year at the Sheboygan Extension College where he met Bernie Meyer. After a year together and being exposed to various aspects of nature and the wooded area, they both enrolled in Michigan Tech. Jim graduated in 3 years and became a Forester and shortly after found himself in his life dream. His first job was in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, then on th Dodgeville, where he worked with the DNR for 40 years until retirement.

As a Forester, he supervised the planting of approximately 13 million trees in a 5 county radius. He was an active charter member of the Dodgeville Tree Board for many years.

In June of 1953, Jim married Marilyn Holman and they had 3 children, Brian, Lisa and Laura.

Jim was active with the 32nd Division of the National Guard. He enlisted in 1957 and was called up for the Berlin Crisis in 1961. Jim's MOS was tank commander. His active duty was for 61/2 years at which time he had weekly guard meetings.

Jim owned an 80 acre tree farm and just recently was honored as being an active tree farm manager for 50 years. He built a cabin on the property by using a kit which became a great spot for many hours of hunting. Jim was also a charter member of the National Walnut Council, the Wisconsin Walnut Council and the International Walnut Council Foundation. He received the outstanding service award while on the Walnut Council. In 1998, he was chosen as the outstanding tree farmer in Iowa County.

Jim married Joyce Kieslich in August of 1995. He was a dedicated member of Grace Lutheran Church, serving on the church council, teaching Sunday school and
working with the confirmation classes.

He enjoyed teaching gun safety for over 33 years. He had a love for hunting and the great outdoors.

His love and compassion for God's creation, his country and his family and friends will always be remembered.

Jim is survived by his wife Joyce E Kieslich-Widder; his children Brian Widder (Tom Gillen), Laura Widder and Lisa Paulson; his step children Marcia Kieslich (Dave Ramminger), Jan Kieslich-Janes (Terry Janes), Jill Kieslich, Mary Beth Burke (Jim Burke), Debora Kieslich and Anne Kieslich (Chris Frame); his grandchildren Joe, Jade and Jasmine Paulson, Sarah, Sophie and Brenna Burke, Britta and Stina Rhude, Caleb and Jonah Shuda, Macie Janes, William Frame; his sister Wendy (Phil) Schrank; his nephews Jason (Susan) Schrank and Steve Schrank; his niece Stacy (John) Boomer.

Funeral services for Jim Widder will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 28, 2017 at GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH in Dodgeville. Rev. Mark Williamson will officiate. Military Rites will be accorded by the Dodgeville Area Veterans. Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday and from 10:00 a.m. until time of services on Monday at GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Upland Hills Hospice or a charity of your choice.