A. William “Bill” Widmayer passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 94. He was born on August 4, 1931 to the late Edgar and Ruth (Taylor) Widmayer in Ann Arbor. He lived in the Dexter/Pinckney area his entire life.
Bill graduated from Dexter High School in 1949. He served his country in the Korean War from 1952-1954. After completing trade school in Chicago he began work as a mechanic restoring and maintaining John Deere tractors and farm equipment for Huron Farm Supply in Dexter. He was an avid farmer who grew corn, wheat, and soybeans and he was a prolific gardener whose main crop was sweet corn. He was known by many as “Bill the Corn Guy.”
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janice (Harvey) Widmayer; his daughter, Sandra Rowland of Chicago (Mark); his granddaughter, Grace; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn Britt from Whitmore Lake, and his brother, John Widmayer (Phyllis) of Dexter. Two nephews also preceded him in death: Andrew William Esch of Stockbridge and John Paul Widmayer of Dexter.
A graveside service will be held at St. Andrew’s Cemetery, Dexter, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following the service a Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at the Dexter Legion – all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Dexter Historical Society, DAHS 3443 Inverness St, Dexter, MI 48130.
He will be missed by his family and friends.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
