Widener, Michael 'Mike' Claude

Michael “Mike” Claude Widener, 61, of Marble Falls, Texas, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, July 12, 2011, of respiratory failure. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 12, at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, with the Rev. David Beckman officiating. Inurnment following at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Mike was born with his twin, Michele, on July 6, 1950, in Cedar Rapids, to Julia Steggall Widener and Claude Edwin Widener. He was a handsome strapping 6'4'' high school senior when he suffered a diving injury and was left a quadriplegic.

What followed was a remarkable example of the bonds of family love and devotion: Julia cared for him at home until her death, then Michele and husband David Horner took over for 10 years.

The family moved to Texas in 1982.

Mike, despite his paralysis, was always cheerful, determined, smart, and sharp of wit. Self-taught in photography and astronomy, he also enjoyed coin-collecting. He never lost his love for speed, whether in boating, race cars, or in a helicopter. His favorite was his own race car that the family would load up, with all going to the drag strip.

Computers changed his world, instantly connecting him to distant relatives and friends. He relished the chat rooms and games galore, spending hours enjoying new companionships.

Survivors include Michele and David; nephews, Kole Zimmerman and Heath Nickes (Cressent); nieces, Hali Nickes, and her daughter, Hadali, and former brother-in-law, Archie Nickes, all of Marble Falls, Texas; in Cedar Rapids, aunt Pat and uncle Barney Hanson; sister-in-law, Janet Widener; nephew, Max Hubbard; niece, Abby Reid; nieces, Tabetha, Sasha and Jennifer Zimmerman, plus their children, and numerous other relatives.

Published June 10, 2012 in The Gazette