Joel Widmer

Joel Widmer
July 17, 1988 - February 07, 2014
Williamsburg, Iowa
Visitation: 2:30 pm to 8:00 pm family will be present from 2:30 to 4:30 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm February 15, 2014 at Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg
Funeral Service: 3:00 pm February 16, 2014 at West Union Mennonite Church rural Parnell
Joel Gregory Widmer died unexpectedly at his home in Vista, CA on February 7, 2014 at the age of 25. He was born July 17, 1988 in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Kenton John and Pamela Sue (Niebuhr) Widmer. The family moved to Knoxville, Illinois where Joel developed a passion for sports at a young age. He later moved to Williamsburg, IA with his family. Joel graduated from Williamsburg High School in 2007 where he was named to the class 3A second team all state baseball team as a pitcher. He later attended Hesston College and Kirkwood Community College. Joel moved to California in 2012. He had been working as a graphic designer and printer. Joel was a gentle, likable man with a warm smile and a sense of humor. Joel had a big heart and enjoyed spending time and grilling out with his friends, always ready for a good time. He truly loved all of his family and treasured the opportunities he had to spend time with his extended Widmer and Niebuhr families. Joel loved kids and often said his dream was having his own some day. He also loved animals, especially his dog Murphy and childhood dog Lady. He loved the beaches and sunny California weather where he enjoyed his new sport of surfing. Joel was a member of West Union Mennonite Church in Parnell, Iowa. He was baptized by confession of faith at the age of 14. Joel struggled with depression and the symptoms of adult ADD for many years, to which he finally succumbed. He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Joel is survived by his loving parents and best buddy and brother, Joshua Widmer of Williamsburg. Survivors include his special friend Mallory Peterson, grandparents Eugene and Helen Niebuhr, as well as uncles and aunts Lamarr (Margaret) Widmer, Dan (Sue) Widmer, Dave (Roni) Widmer, Barb (Dan) Jepsen, Larry (Pam) Niebuhr, Jeff (Sharon) Niebuhr. Other survivors include his cousins Matt and Eric Jepsen, Andrea Wiener, Allison and Beth Niebuhr, Beth Daugherty and Ryan Robinson, and Mitch, Jackie, Blaine and Mallory Widmer. Joel was preceded in death by his grandparents Clayton and Mary Lois Widmer. Celebration of Life Service will be 3:00 pm Sunday, February 16, 2014 at the West Union Mennonite Church, rural Parnell. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 15th from 2:30 until 8:00 PM at the Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. Family will be present from 2:30 to 4:30 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorial gifts may be made to West Union Church for the Crooked Creek Christian Camp cabin fund or The Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition (JCSPC). Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.