Eileen M. Widner

Eileen Marie Widner was born at Saint Ann’s hospital in La Crosse Wisconsin on January 24, 1951, to Henry and Olive Zebell. She passed away peacefully surrounded by Dale and her family on January 28, 2025.

Following graduation from Cashton High School in 1969, Eileen attended FBI training in Milwaukee with several other women, who became some of her closest friends, living in a convent. She remarked, “that place was not quite the same” after they left.

In 1975 Eileen married Dale Widner. How profound now are the words to their wedding song, “Time in a Bottle.” Together, they had several stops along the way in their FBI journey which included South Dakota, Washington D.C., Milwaukee, and Madison where they both retired from. Eileen had 40 years with the FBI. In between the FBI adventures, they came back to Wisconsin and farmed on the Widner family farm in Avalanche for a few years. Eileen’s career had some other stops along the way. She worked at The Cheese Cellar, Vernon County, Walmart and her “retirement” job at Quilt Basket 'n Creations where she enjoyed the company of her friends here as much as she loved the sewing.

To know Eileen was to love her. She shared her passions for quilting, knitting, cross-stitch and crocheting with so many of us. A talented woman behind the sewing machine; she knew the right fabrics, colors and patterns that brought so much warmth and delight to those fortunate enough to have been on the receiving end of her gifts. She enjoyed spoiling her nieces and nephews and card playing with friends and relatives. A favorite summer pastime with Dale and his family was trips up to the ridge above Avalanche. Eileen was a pleasure to be around. Her story telling and reminiscences of days gone by made you always want to stay a bit longer when visiting. In case you’re wondering how to change a car tire in the winter, in a dress, after catechism, she knew. If you were brave enough to dish it out, you were going to get it back with a laugh that will never be forgotten. She was as funny as she was loving. She offered solid advice and never hesitated to lend a listening ear. If you came to visit, you could be assured that you’d find country music in the background and something delicious to eat.

Eileen spent the last few months at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby. She made even more friends there and spoke often of the wonderful care that she received. The family will be forever grateful for the loving attention and care she was provided by both Norseland and St. Croix Hospice teams.

If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that I'd like to do
Is to save every day 'til eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you

Eileen is survived by her loving husband Dale, foster son Jason Alexander, and her siblings: Diane (Gary) Mlsna, Gary (Alice) Zebell, Paul (Sandy) Zebell. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law Jeff Mlsna and Randy Widner and sisters-in-law: Wanda Hillblom, Iris Hanson, Diane (Red) Anderson, and Charlotte Buros.

She was preceded in death by her sister Cheryl Mlsna; brothers-in-law: Wayne Hillblom, Roger Hanson, Gary Buros; nephew, Terry Hanson; niece, Jodie Zebell; and great nephew, Zachary Hanson.

A Memorial Service will be held at Country Coon Prairie Church, 52706 Coon Prairie Road, in Westby, on March 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Celebration of life will immediately follow at the Westby VFW/Legion, 205 North Main Street at 12:00 PM. Memorials can be directed to Country Coon Prairie Church Preservation, Norseland Nursing Home, and St. Croix Hospice.

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is assisting the family.

*Flowers for the service can be ordered by contacting Mabel's on Main, (608) 654-5808.*