Matthew J. Widman

Matthew Jacob Widman, age 26, of Highland, IL., died Monday, January 15, 2007, at his residence in rural Highland, IL. He was born August 7, 1980, in Belleville, IL., the son of Larry and Janet (Horn) Widman. He grew up in Highland; graduated from Highland High School in 1998; earned a BS in Civil Engineering at University of Missouri-Rolla in 2003. He worked for the State of Missouri for 1&1/2 years and then started with the Madison County, Illinois Highway Department as a Field Engineer. He was an avid, passionate outdoorsmen who started deer hunting with a bow at an early age, enjoyed fishing and the last three years had been learning Elk hunting from his cousin Larry Welchlen in Colorado. He had played baseball from Khoury League through high school; played Junior League, High School & College Football (3 years at U. of MO-Rolla). This past year he helped coach Quarterback Club football for his nephew\'s team in Highland. He enjoyed float trips; his neighbors and friends on Deck\'s Prairie; Sigma Phi Epsilon Social Fraternity activities at Rolla (Greek Week & St. Patrick\'s Day); Big chicken fries and group events; helping his dad and brother fry chicken for K of C (hall events, Kirchenfest, Madison County Fair). Matt enjoyed his dog \"Willy\" (a dalmation mix); four-wheeling; riding his custom \"Big Dog\" Chopper; and had a goal of becoming the County Engineer for Madison County. From the time he was a small child, Matt always carried a US Flag; he always had one with him; he would look for Flags & Flag poles; he helped his brother obtain & erect a 40 foot pole in Mike\'s front yard; he had his own flag & pole at his home. He attended St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL; Immaculate Conception Church, Pierron, IL and St. Boniface Catholic Church, Edwardsville, IL. He was also a member of Masonic Lodge #583, A.F. & A.M. Highland, IL; Ainad Temple, A.A.O.N.O.M.S. (Shriners)-East St. Louis, IL; 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus, Council #1580, Highland, IL, (7 years); 4th Degree Assembly #0231, Knights of Columbus, Highland, IL (2 years); MaCliBo Circus Unit. Survivors include Father-Larry A. Widman of Highland, Ill., Mother-Janet A. Widman, nee Horn of Highland, Ill., Brother-Michael A. (Mary Ann) Widman of Highland, Ill., Sister-Lana M. (Stephen) Hawkins of Kalamazoo, Mich., Niece-Megan A. Widman of Highland, Ill., Nephew-Mitchel A. Widman of Highland, Ill., Aunt-Sandy (Gage) Herington of Alabama, Aunt-Jean Widman of Highland, Ill. He was preceeded in death by Uncle-Dale Widman, Paternal Grandfather-Donald Widman, Paternal Grandmother-Laurene Widman, nee Heim, Maternal Grandfather-John Horn, Maternal Grandmother-Virginia Horn, Aunt-Jane Horn (died at age 3 weeks). Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill.

Matthew J. Widman

August 7, 1980 - January 15, 2007