Russ WidgerMay 20, 1942 May 12, 2021Our Dad sent a shock wave through the family by leaving us too early, just 8 daysbefore his 79th birthday. All four of his children, several grandchildren, and two of hischerished in-laws were there to say goodbye. We cannot remember him ever spendingtime in the hospital or being sick during his 78 years.Born in Madison, WI and named G. Russell Widger Jr., after his Dad, he was raised inRoyal Oak, MI. The baby brother of big sissy Bobbie (Roberta Regan), big brother Bill(William F Widger) and sister Susan Brice Jennings. Russ attended Shrine Catholic High School and helived a fast and furious young life, driving his nieces and nephews in a convertible down historic WoodwardAvenue in Detroit in the 1950s. In the early 60s, he fell in love with Kathleen Osborne of Lathrup Villageduring a summer weekend in Saugatuck, MI. The whirlwind romance led to marriage and four children:Meghan, Molly, Russell (G. Russell III), and baby Vincent. We take claim to having the funniest, and mostaccepting Dad that ever walked the earth.His first job was as assistant to the Twin Pines Milk Man (remember those) in Royal Oak, a job heabsolutely loved and talked about until the day he died. He caddied at local golf clubs (for 50 cents a loop),coached & umpired little league, worked in an auto assembly plant in Los Angeles, and then returned toDetroit to join his brother running the family business Tuff Kote/Widger Chemical, which they expanded tothousands of locations in dozens of countries around the world. Their travel exploits, and the parties theythrew for family, employees and business associates were truly epic. As entrepreneurs the brothers partneredin more businesses than we can recall. To mention a few: shoe manufacturing, the worlds greatestmousetrap, air fresheners, pet food, gas stations, clothing stores, ranching, property development, multi-levelmarketing, restaurants, and American Pizza Company (at one time the largest Dominos franchisee in theUK). Most of these ventures were not successful, but we cannot ever remember hearing our Dad complain.In later years, his quiet strength earned him the nickname "BigMan", as he spent his active retirement withgolfing, boating and grandkids in Florida for some 25 years.Russ was preceded in death by his parents Maria Fullan Widger and George Russell Widger Sr., siblingsRoberta (Don) Regan and William F. (Gerrye) Widger. He is survived by his sister Susan Brice Jennings, hisfour children: Meghan (Garry) Caldwell, Molly (Peter) Berberich, Russ (Paulina) Widger, and VincentWidger. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Sian-Louise (Jason) in England, Callum in Wales,Samantha, Mariah, Aileen, Camily and Abigail and great-grandchild Hallie (UK).The Widger family will be bringing both Russ Widger and his big brother Bill Widger to rest beside theirparents in Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Southfield Michigan on their mothers birthday: June 12, 2021, at11:00am. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life at 4:00pm, including words from family and friendsat 5:00pm, at the Westin Southfield/Detroit.

Services on June 12, 202111:00 am Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Southfield, MI4:00pm: Celebration of Life, at Westin Southfield/DetroitGroup Rate Reservations: Click HERE