By HDN Staff
JAMES WIDDEKIND
BOZEMAN James Edward Widdekind, 76, died Thursday, Aug. 10, 2000 of natural causes at a Bozeman care center.
Widdekind was born May 30, 1924 in Cecil County, Md. and attended school in Havre DeGrace, Md. He was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad as a fireman.
Widdekind joined the Army in November 1942 and served in the 11th Airborne Division, 188th Parachute Infantry in the South Pacific through January 1946. He received an honorable discharge with good conduct medal, World War II Victory Ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon and Philippine Liberation Ribbon unit citation.
Widdekind re-enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in December 1950 and served as a postal officer in England until his discharge in 1954 with the rank of staff sergeant.
Widdekind spent much of his life in Havre, working as a government trapper along the Hi-Line.
He was active as a leader in the Boy Scouts and was a baptized member of First Lutheran Church in Havre in 1976. Later on, he was active in assisting with the Salvation Army programs.
He is survived by his daughters, Jamie Grubbs of Mesa Ariz., and Carol J. Dunn; sons, Jim, Steve and Frank Widdekind; sister, Dot Logan of Pennsylvania; sister-in-law, Polly Widdekind of Havre; one granddaughter and one grandson; numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. No services are planned at his request.
Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
