White Funeral Home
1315 Main Street
Jesup, Iowa 50648

JESUP - Brenda Jean Widner, 62 years old, of Jesup, IA, died Friday, October 4, 2024, at MercyOne – Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, IA, following a sudden illness.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. – Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at White Funeral Home in Jesup, IA. Burial will follow at St. Athanasius Catholic Cemetery, Jesup.

Visitation will be 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at White Funeral Home, Jesup, where there will be a rosary at 3:30 p.m. and vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue for an hour before services on Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Brenda was born November 7, 1961, in Independence, IA, the daughter of Oscar Lewis “Bud” Fernau and Alice Pauline (Kerkove) Fernau. She graduated from Jesup High School with the class of 1980. On May 5, 1984, she was united in marriage to James Lynn Widner at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. The couple later had their marriage blessed with a wedding at St. Athanasius Catholic Church. Brenda worked at the Schares Food Mart in Jesup for many years as well as in the cafeteria at the Jesup Community School. She had recently retired from waitressing at Legacy’s Bar and Grill in Jesup.

Brenda was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. She was a loyal friend and always took care of other people. She loved going to Prairie du Chien and spending time at the houseboat, sitting around the bonfires, fishing, and just sitting in the sun. Brenda rarely held a grudge and seemed to make friends wherever she went. She was much loved and will forever be missed. She truly was “A Friend Forever.”

Brenda is survived by her husband of 40 years, Jim Widner of Jesup, IA; one daughter, Alicia Widner (Bill Engel) of La Porte City, IA; three grandchildren, Nate Engel, Kaylee Engel, and James Engel; three step-children, Eric Widner of Raymond, IA, Eileen (Chad) Schultz of Milwaukee, WI, Aaron Widner of Wisconsin; seven step-grandchildren; and two step-great granddaughters; also surviving are four sisters, Lu Ann Hefling of Chattaroy, WA, Gail (Daryl) Christiansen of Jesup, IA, Cheryl (Duane) Beatty of Independence, IA, and Donna (Troy) Pint of Jesup, IA.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Kevin Fernau; one step-daughter-in-law, Tasha Widner; and one brother-in-law, Jerry Hefling.

Memorials may be directed to the family.
Condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com

White Funeral Home, Jesup, IA is in charge of arrangements.