Age 72 of Woodville passed away unexpectedly in his home on February 15, 2025.
Jim was born on December 15, 1952, in Birchwood, WI to Robert and Lillian (Jilek) Widiker. He grew up in Birchwood and graduated from Birchwood High School.
On September 1, 1973, he and Sharon Birdsill were united in marriage.
After graduation he served as a member of the National Guard and worked for Norlake as a shift supervisor in Hudson, WI. During that time, he also worked part time for the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department. He pursued a successful long-term career in Law Enforcement. He served as an officer of the Baldwin Police Department for 26 years, with 23 of them as the Chief of Police. He was a member of law enforcement for a total of 34 years. He retired in 2014.
Jim’s priority was always his family. You could find him with his son working around his shop at home or tinkering with his farm equipment. He and Sharon spent many days each week with their daughter and her family. His grandbabies were pure joy and happiness to him. There wasn’t anything Papa wouldn’t do for them. Jim also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working on his cattle farm.
Jim will be dearly missed by his wife of 51 years Sharon; two children Alicia (Andy) Hannawell and Andrew Widiker; two grandchildren Lola James Hannawell and Quinton John Hannawell; also survived by four brothers; and two sisters.
Preceded in death by his parents.
Per the family’s request the services will be private.
A public Memorial Gathering will be held in the summer.
Memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association or Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial (WLEM.com).
Arrangements entrusted to O’Connell Funeral Home, Baldwin.
