As the clouds parted and the sunlight shone down on a warm autumn afternoon, Steven Ronald Wideman peacefully joined his Lord in heaven. Steve, age 66, of Neenah, Wisconsin, a loving husband, father, son and brother, passed away on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, with his devoted wife holding his hand and his family by his side both in person and in spirit. He knew the love that his family and so many others shared for him.
Steve was born on October 26, 1951 in Neenah, son of the late Chester and Edith (neé Hawkinson) Wideman. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Sue Foth, on October 21, 1972, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. He was baptized at St. Margaret Mary and was an active member of the church, most recently serving on the parish council.
Steve was a 1970 graduate of Neenah High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Oshkosh. He distinguished himself as a well-respected, award-winning journalist in the Fox Cities and beyond. He was a talented and versatile writer, photographer and videographer who cared deeply about sharing the stories of the thousands of people he interviewed.
Most of Steve’s career was spent at The Post-Crescent, Oshkosh Northwestern, The Compass (of the Diocese of Green Bay) and The Catholic Herald. Steve loved spending time with Mary as well as family and friends. He also enjoyed carving decoys, woodworking, bicycling, hunting, fishing, photography, playing with his pets (especially Oliver) and discussing the latest news with friends at McDonald’s.
He also was honored to be a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and a member of the Honor Guard. His family is extremely proud of the many things Steve achieved in his life and the positive example he set for those around him. Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Mary; sons, Steven Benjamin (Sarah Kloepping), Fr.
Brian, Robert (Angie) and Bradley (Julie); grandchildren, Alexander, Caitlyn, Zachary, Luke Wideman and Zac Dunbar (Kelly); and great-grandchildren, Evan and Ellie Dunbar; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Randy Foth (Cheryl), Patti Bierman (Bill), Tom Foth (Mary Ann), Sharie Kaphingst (Gary), and Angie Julius (Dean); and nieces and nephews, Dan, Tyler, Tiffany, Travis, Trina, Tanner, Brandon, Brooks, Brittany, Jessie, Kurt, Andy, Becky, Kelly, Morgan and Nina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Edith; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Dana; father- and mother-in-law, Bill and Betty Foth; and nephew, Brooks Foth. Steve waged a courageous battle with cancer for more than four years.
He fought until the very end. He bravely entered experimental medication treatments with the hope of not only improving his own health but also helping lay a foundation to help others with cancer. We love you.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 13, 2018, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Parish, 620 Division St., Neenah, with burial at St. Margaret Cemetery, Neenah. Visitation will be Friday, October 12, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Kessler Funeral Home, 304 S. Commercial St., Neenah. .
Visitation will also be held at the funeral home on Saturday, October 13, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m when the procession will leave for church. For online condolences, please visit: www. kesslerfh.com The family would like to thank Dr. Phillips and the staff at Fox Valley Hematology and Oncology, and Dr. Erdman and the staff at the Saint Elizabeth Wound Care Center for the compassion and hope they provided.
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