Earl J. Widhalm, 99 years, 9 months, 10 days, of Columbus, Neb., (formerly of Cornlea, Neb.) died Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at the Columbus Community Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial was on Friday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m., at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey, Neb., and Father Stan Schmit celebrated the Mass. Interment was in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Cornlea. Visitation was on Thursday from 4-6:30 p.m., with a 6:30 p.m. vigil service at the church. Visitation continued Friday from 9 a.m. until service time, also at the church. Memorials may be directed to the wishes of the family.
Earl John Widhalm was born Jan. 11, 1924, along with his twin sister Pearl, to Jacob and Katherine (Zuerlein) Widhalm in the “birthing room” on the family farm by Cornlea. When anyone asked Earl who was born first, Earl would say, “Pearl, I’m polite, so I let the ladies go first”. He was the 13th of 14 children.
