"I met Karl at pathways. He was very kind to my brother and I have thought of him often. I wish we could have told him how helpful he was. Our condolences to his family."
In loving memory of
KARL S. WIDEMAN
February 8, 1957 - April 27, 2010
Karl S. Wideman, 53, of Negaunee Township, died Tuesday morning, April 27, 2010 with his loving family at his side and in the care of U.P. Home Health and Hospice.
Mr. Wideman was born on February 8, 1957 in Wanamaker, Indiana, the son of the late Donald and Jean (Thomann) Wideman. He was a 1975 graduate of Grandville High School in Grandville, Michigan, later receiving a degree in English from Albion College in 1979. In 1986 Karl received a Masters degree in psychology from Eastern Michigan University.
He was previously employed at Ottawa County Mental Health in Holland, Michigan, Pathways in Marquette, Northern Michigan University in their Counseling Department and most recently for Great Lakes Recovery. He and his family had lived in this area since 1998, moving here from Grand Rapids.
A big sports fan, Karl loved to play basketball including the Negaunee City League and the NIT where he played for the Wideman Law Center team. He also loved baseball, football, snowshoeing, biking, running, kayaking and golfing. He took great pride in coaching his sons baseball and football teams.
Karl was a past president of the Negaunee Lions Club and formerly served on the Negaunee Township Zoning Board of Appeals.
A loving husband and devoted father, he is survived by his wife, the former Susan Goodkind whom he married on June 7, 1987 in Grand Rapids; one son, Erik Wideman at home; one sister, Susan (Jim) Dohm of Owosso; father-in-law, Donald Goodkind of California; two brothers-in-law, Ken Goodkind of New Jersey and Steve (Alora) Goodkind of Vermont; also surviving are several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Thursday, April 29th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home in Marquette.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the U.P. Home Health and Hospice Foundation, 829 Croix St., Negaunee, MI 49866 or the American Cancer Society for Osteosarcoma research.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories can be shared at www.canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Dear Susan and Erik, We are stunned...you are in our hearts,our thoughts, and our prayers. As great neighbors, we recall funny and poignant memories. Karl's smile will always be part of us. Blessings to both of you."
"To the family of Karl, what a wonderful person he was. So insightful. Karl taught me so much about being strong. I was so lucky to have known him through pathways. He gave me tools I have used daily. Peace to Karl Wideman. The people that knew you will never ever forget you."
"Susan and family, My deepest sympathies on the death of your husband. May your memories help keep you strong through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Laurie Skytta (from Probate Court)"
"With a glint in his eye, Karl would come up with the most interesting twist on just about anything. How to uncover the positives lurking about - he planted a lot of seeds! A genuine inspiration to me and so thankful to have known. May we all pass on paths again..."
"I knew Karl growing up on Tomahawk Dr. in Grandville where we often participated in pick up games of football, bball etc. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. I am so sorry."
"Susan I am so sorry to read of your husband's death. My thoughts and my prayers are with you and your son."
"I was so sorry to learn of Karl's death. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Ona Wall (friend of Don and Jean's)"
"I was shocked to learn of the loss of Karl. I am one of lucky ones that got to meet him. He was such an inspiration for me...thank god. We met during our grueling physical therapy sessions and shared many laughs. I will never forget his genuine smile. My deepest sympathy to Karl's family. He will never be forgotten."
"So sorry Susan and Erik, My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"The Family of Karl: We extend our deepest sympathy to the entire family. While we did not know you personally, we felt that we did through the close friendship with Jean. Our thoughts are with you!"
"Dear Erik and Susan, It is because of Karl that I have been a clinician at Great Lakes Recovery for two years. Karl has always been the single greatest mentor and influence for me in my therapeutic work as a clinician. I miss him as a friend and as a colleague."
"The world has lost a wonderful man. My deepest sympathy to Karl's family. It was a pleasure to know him. Leslie Winkler RN MGH Oncology Unit"
"I was so sad to learn of the loss of Karl. He was a co-worker years ago at the NMU Counseling Center. He always came in with a smile on his face and his sense of humor always brightened my day! The world lost a wonderful man. I'll keep the family in my thoughts and prayers."
"Susan and Family We were so saddened to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathies. Marbelle and Ruby Koski"
"I have been blessed to have known Karl. He was a gift to our agency and to the people he worked with. His gentle grace and understanding will be missed. His spirit will live on in the work that we do."
"To the family of Karl Wideman I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. You are in my thoughts. Jean Whitman-Shelby"
"Susan and Family, We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"What a shock! We've had more interesting conversations with Karl than anyone else. The world has lost a full blast boogie guy."
"Hi Uncle Karl, I hope you are in a wonderful place now, and feeling much better. Everyone's missing you tons, but you're in our memories and hearts forever. Lots of love!"
"I am sorry for your loss. Karl will always be remembered for his sense of humor and bright smile that he shared with all of his co-workers. He was a great man & will be missed by many. Your family is in my thoughts & prayers during this very difficult time."
"My sympathy and heart goes out to Susan and Erik on their great loss. May you always remember the good times you had with Karl. Love, Beth"
"Susan and Erik, I'm very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Karl: Fly on Karl! You gave the world in 53 years more than most people can give in 100. It is my privilege to have known you. I will treasure the memory of our conversations. My deepest regards to Susan and Erik, I know how much you loved them. Love, Magic Granny"
"Susan, Erik, & extended family members: Words cannot even begin to express how very deeply sorry we are for your loss. Karl was taken away too soon, but cherish the wonderful memories you have. We are thinking of you every single minute. Many thoughts and prayers are being sent your way."
"Family of Karl Wideman, So sorry to hear of your loss. You have my deepest sympathy."
"Karl, I'll be waiting to hear your whisper, Randy's bluffing. Karl will be missed and forever remembered as Mr Three. We all lost a great man."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Karl will certainly be missed by so many. Wayne & Pat Johnson"
"Sue and Family, We are sorry to hear of your loss. We send our sympathy to you during this time of loss. Your neighbors, Cheri LaPointe and Lloyd Dupras"
"We have lost a GREAT guy. Our hearts break for Susan, Erik and family. When we remember Karl it will bring a smile to our faces!!"
"To the family of Karl,I am so sorry to hear the news.I met Karl at Pathways.He was so nice and was a great teacher to me.I learned a lot from him and will always remember his humor and good advice, and i cant forget about his genuine smile:)*The life skills he taught me will help me get through anything!*I pray that GOD gives you strength to get through this difficult time.He definately will be missed~I am one of the lucky ones that got to meet Karl...and I thank GOD for that!(((PEACE)))"
"Dear Susan and Erik, Thinking of you during this difficult time and am sending healing thoughts, prayers, and strength your way. I'm so happy to have gotten to know your family."
"Susan and Erik- We are very sad to hear about the loss of Karl. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Susan and Erik We are so sorry for your loss, memories of Karl will be with us forever. We will all miss him very much. He was a true friend and a man of great character. We are thinking of you both, and love you all. Anything we can do please call."
"Dear Susan & Erik We're so sad to hear about Karl. We pray God will give you strength, heal your hearts and give you peace. Scott, Sue & Shawn"