John "Jack" D. Wydeven

April 6, 1926 — February 20, 2023

Kimberly

John D. Wydeven, known as Jack by all, age 96, passed away in his Kimberly home on February 20, 2023. He was born to the late Theodore and Josephine (DeGroot) Wydeven on April 6, 1926, in Kimberly. Jack was enlisted at the age of 17 in the U.S. Navy. He served in the South Pacific during World War II and earned 5 bronze stars. Later, Jack married Shirlee Smith on December 30, 1950, and had five children. Jack also worked as a truck driver for Consolidated Freightways. He worked a couple of part-time jobs at the Appleton Airport and WAPL Radio Station in the maintenance department. Most importantly, he was a cobbler. He repaired shoes and leather goods in his basement workshop. His workshop still stands in his home and he continued his trade well into retirement.

Jack spent many years camping, fishing, hunting, and waterskiing with his family. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and cherished the time hunting with his sons. Jack loved spending time with his children. He was a family man. He felt very strongly about being a good father and role model for his children. Jack created strong bonds with each of his children. He loved the outdoors including gardening and taking care of his lawn. He took immense pride in maintaining his household, built by his own hands. Jack was a talented and dependable handyman; he could repair anything. He used his patience and his knowledge of handiwork to connect with others.

Survived by his wife Shirlee (Smith) Wydeven; children Tom “TT” (Mary) Wydeven, Ted (Mary) Wydeven, Todd R. Wydeven, Julie (Julie Heidemann) Wydeven; grandchildren Tim Wydeven, Amber (Heath Bond) Wydeven, Joe Wydeven, Amy (Greg) Trapp, Kate Wydeven; great grandchildren Brooke, Dani, Camren, Samantha.

Preceded in death by parents; son Tim; siblings Rosamund “Bo” (Normand) Wiegman, Clifford (Harriet) Wydeven, Kathleen (C.B.) Allen, Mary (Dick) Hoolihan; and granddaughter Kristy.

A service for Jack will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Jansen Fargo Funeral Home, located at 204 E. Kimberly Avenue in Kimberly. Father Carl Schmitt will be officiating, full military honors will be rendered, and burial will take place at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at King, Wisconsin later. Friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9:30 AM until the hour of the services. For more information or to share a memory of Jack, please visit www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John "Jack" D. Wydeven, please visit our flower store.

Send a Card

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, February 25, 2023

9:30 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Jansen Fargo Funeral Home

204 East Kimberly Ave, Kimberly, WI 54136

Get Directions Plant Trees

Memorial Service