Mike “Woody” Widmark, 64, of Brookings, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, at home surrounded by the love of his family after a long battle with diabetes and kidney failure. Private family services will be held at a later date.
Mike James Widmark was born on July 8, 1957, in Ivanhoe, MN, the son of Manley and Lilas (Grubich) Widmark. He grew up on the Widmark family farm near Ivanhoe and attended school there until he graduated in 1976. Mike worked on cars at the Standard Station while attending high school and began working at the 3M manufacturing facility in Brookings, SD, in 1978 where he was a devoted employee for 36 years before retiring at the young age of 56.
Mike met the love of his life Ann McCoy in 1982. They enjoyed spending their time riding motorcycle and bonding with their friends. Mike was sentenced to life with Ann on Dec. 26, 1984, at the Brookings County Courthouse, or at least that’s what he’d convinced his daughter until well into her teens. The couple welcomed their son, McCoy Julian, in June of 1985 and their daughter Michelle Ann in October of 1988. In early 1989, Mike and Ann purchased an acreage just south of Brookings. This home became a place where Mike could pour his heart and soul into what he loved.
When Mike wasn’t working, he spent much of his time tending to all forms of life. He had the greenest of thumbs and was able to help any type of vegetation flourish. In addition to his love of gardening, Mike enjoyed watching the Vikings play (even though they frequently let him down), tinkering on projects around the farm, helping his family, and loving up on the family dog and farm cats.
Mike’s quick-witted comments, sense of humor, and love will be greatly missed.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Widmark, of Brookings, SD; two children McCoy Widmark of Brookings, SD, Michelle (Mike) Gunderson of Aurora, SD and his beloved dog and companion, Zoey; his mother Lilas Widmark of Hendricks, MN; his siblings Wendy (Clyde) Rost of Ivanhoe, MN, Connie (Archie) Citterman of Ivanhoe, MN, Marc (Patrice) Widmark of Ivanhoe, MN, and Murray Widmark of Hendricks, MN; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Manley Widmark.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
