Walter Widmer

Obituary of Walter Widmer

Walter O. Widmer 94, Indianapolis, our beloved Uncle Walt, passed away March 3, 2012. He was born April 12, 1917 in Ft. Smith, AR to the late Adolph and Selma Widmer. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Naval Reserves and later in World War II as a MSGT in the U.S. Army Air Corps 9th Air Force Service Command. His unit maintained more B-26 bombers than any other unit in the ETO. Following the war he married his sweetheart, Nellie (Lambert) and joined his best friend, his brother Adolph, as a co-owner of Widmer Bros. Plumbing and later worked for the Indianapolis Star/News until retirement in 1982. Uncle Walt lived a full and interesting life. He recalled watching Charles Lindbergh, in 1927; fly the Spirit of St. Louis just above the telephone poles, right down the middle of Washington Street all the way from Weir Cook Airport to the Circle, during his US Tour following his historic trans-atlantic flight. After school, Uncle Walt would ride the streetcar from Tech HS to the Duesenberg Factory downtown, where he performed odd jobs; one time, Augie Duesenberg tossed him the keys to a Duesenberg, ordering him to move it down the street because it was blocking a driveway. For over 40 years, on race day, you could find Walt and his "chum" Nellie, surrounded by friends in their seats on the first turn at the 500. Uncle Walt leaves behind nieces, Debbie (Diane Russell) Lambert and Carole Barnaby; nephew, David (Brother Chris OFM) Lambert; cousins, Ray (Sue) Widmer, Adolph and Martin Lambert and a host of other family members. Walt's family wishes to thank his caregivers at American Village Healthcare Center for 4 years of wonderful care. Our family invites friends and family to join us at the Rathskeller Restaurant on Monday, March 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. to tell "Uncle Walt" stories and celebrate the life of a man we have all cherished. A private graveside service will follow. Arrangements by Stevens Mortuary & Family Center . http://www.stevensmortuary.net
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