Earl J. Widhalm

Earl J. Widhalm, 99 years, 9 months, 10 days, of Columbus, Neb., (formerly of Cornlea, Neb.) died Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at the Columbus Community Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial was on Friday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m., at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey, Neb., and Father Stan Schmit celebrated the Mass. Interment was in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Cornlea. Visitation was on Thursday from 4-6:30 p.m., with a 6:30 p.m. vigil service at the church. Visitation continued Friday from 9 a.m. until service time, also at the church. Memorials may be directed to the wishes of the family.

Earl John Widhalm was born Jan. 11, 1924, along with his twin sister Pearl, to Jacob and Katherine (Zuerlein) Widhalm in the “birthing room” on the family farm by Cornlea. When anyone asked Earl who was born first, Earl would say, “Pearl, I’m polite, so I let the ladies go first”. He was the 13th of 14 children.

Earl was baptized at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cornlea and attended Sacred Heart School. He remained living in the home he was born in until November 2016, when he moved to Columbus to live with his daughter and son-in-law but was at the farm as much as he could be, even after selling the house and acreage, Earl remained a welcome sight.

Earl was united in marriage to Edna Matilda Sliva on Jan. 27, 1948. Together they raised their 12 children in the same house that Earl was born in. Earl farmed and helped Edna run E & E Upholstery for 28 years. Edna passed away on Aug. 23, 2007, after 59 years, 6 months and 23 days of marriage. After Edna’s death, Earl’s garden grew to over 7000 sq.ft. He took pride in his garden and canning tomato juice. He shared the bounty of his garden with family and friends. Earl continued to garden after moving to Columbus, on a smaller scale, but still with plenty of produce to share. He just finished canning 303 quarts of tomato juice.

Earl enjoyed Husker football and volleyball, crossword puzzles, and was always telling jokes or stories. He had a strong Christian faith and would go to Mass daily and say the rosary. Earl loved spending time with his family and friends, playing sheep head with the Cornlea neighbors for 30+ years, and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, there were no strangers, just people you had not met yet. Earl would always say “Come back anytime. I’m always home unless I am gone.”

Earl is survived by:

Earl J. Widhalm

Son – Dean (Debbie) Widhalm of Trophy Club, Texas Daughter – Shirley Johnson of Bellwood, Neb.

Daughter – Joyce (Jerome) Navrkal of Schuyler, Neb.

Son – Dale (Brenda) Widhalm of Cheyenne, Wyo.

Son — Glen Widhalm of Columbus, Neb.

Daughter – Beverly (Gary) Frahn of Yukon, Okla.

Son – Roger Widhalm of Newman Grove, Neb.

Daughter – Sharon (Tom) Brandl of Monroe, Neb.

Son – Gordon (Georgian) Widhalm of Columbus, Neb.

Son – Rodney (Christine) Widhalm of Columbus, Neb.

Son – Kevin (Rita) Widhalm of Cornlea, Neb.

Daughter – Bonnie (Terry) Smith of Columbus, Neb.

28 Grandchildren 62 Great Grandchildren 6 Great-Great Grandchildren Sister-in-law – Mary Krist Sister-in-law – Annette Sliva Sister-in-law – Sylvia Sliva Brother-in-law – Bill Dusek Earl was preceded in death by: Parents – Jacob and Katherine Widhalm Spouse – Edna Matilda Widhalm Grandson - Blake Widhalm Granddaughter — Nicole Johnson-Hamling Great Grandson – Christopher D. Johnson Brothers – George (Cyrilla), Matt (Loretta), Andy (Lou), Alfred (Ceil), Paul (Evonne), and Walt (Bertha) Widhalm Sisters – Catherine (James) Connelly, Elizabeth (Frank) Connelly, Barbara (Joe) Sindelar, Ella (George) Ternus, Hilda (Ted) Cremer (Ed) Keimig, Sister Ethel “Beatine” Widhalm, and twin sister Pearl (John) Ghekiere Parents-in-law – Joseph and Francis Sliva Condolences may be sent to www.gasshaney.com