Barbara Jeanne Widick, 88, of Farnam, Nebraska, died February 28, 2013 at the Elwood Care Center in Elwood, NE.

She was born October 7, 1924 on the family farm near Atlanta, NE, daughter of Ernest and Wilhelmina (Engel) Lantz.

Barbara attended rural schools in Buffalo County, NE until the family moved to Kearney. She graduated from Kearney High School in 1941 and from Kearney State Teachers College in 1945. In the fall of 1945, Barbara came to Farnam, NE to begin her teaching career. She taught Home Economics, English, Typing and was the class sponsor for the class of ’48 for three years. She thoroughly enjoyed her career in teaching students how to can and prepare food, along with making jelly and preserves and planning meals. Later she taught five years at Stockville High School and set up the Home Ec Department there.

Barbara married Orvale Widick on November 26, 1947 in Gothenburg at the Methodist Minister’s home. They had been married ten years and considered adopting children and were greatly surprised a few months later to learn they were expecting twins, Glenda and Paula. A year later a son Andrew was born, and then another daughter Carol was born.

Barbara was a member of the H.O.P. Club, 60 plus year member of the Methodist Church, and a MYF Youth sponsor for 7 years.

Survivors include her loving husband of 65 years, Orvale Widick of Farnam, NE, son – Andrew (Karen) Widick of Moorefield, NE; three daughters – Paula (Doug) Klein of Moorefield, NE, Glenda (Danny) Kipp of Keenesburg, CO, Carol (Paul) Pagel of Kearney, NE; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two brothers-in-law Jack Randecker and Wallace Petersen along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Burl (Virginia) Lantz; sister, Lucille (Leonard) Balk; sister, Delores (Tom) Pratt; sister, Lila Peterson; sister, Marilyn Randecker.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Sunday, March 03, 2013 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Services will be held at Farnam United Methodist Church, March 4, 2013 at 11:00 am with Pastor Neil Kloppenborg officiating.

Memorials may be directed to the Farnam Rescue and Rural Fire Department, 319 Main St, Farnam, NE 69029 or donors choice.