Richard F. Widmaier

Richard F. Widmaier, age 90, a longtime resident of Livonia, passed away April 29, 2020. He was born in Northville, Michigan on February 20, 1930; son of Charles and Annetta (Wells) Widmaier.  He was united in marriage to Doris M. Fisher on February 11, 1955; married for 65 years, together they raised 5 children.

Richard grew up in Northville and attended Northville High School before enlisting in the Army Air Corps.  He proudly served from March 1947 to February 1950, some of which he was stationed in Japan.  One of his favorite memories from his time in Japan was when he learned that Emperor Hirohito’s motorcade would be passing by in the area that Richard was stationed.  Richard was granted permission to see the motorcade.  As the emperor traveled down the narrow road, the motorcade slowed and Hirohito made direct eye contact with Richard who was standing no more than 6 feet away.  Hirohito was probably amazed to see this giant 19 year old American soldier of nearly 6’5” in height!  Upon his return from the military, he began a career as a police officer with the Livonia Police Department, achieving the rank of lieutenant.  He was a member of the police force sharpshooting team and won medals at various competitions.  In 1966, Richard earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Eastern Michigan University.

Richard was a member of VFW Post 4012 in Northville.  An avid bicycle rider, his usual routes often took him from Livonia to Plymouth or Northville.  He once biked 30 miles to his son’s home for a visit.  He enjoyed traveling with family, they visited places all over the United States.  Most trips included an educational component, including Washington D.C., Pearl Harbor, Yellowstone, and Mt. Rushmore.  Richard also enjoyed traveling to Pennsylvania to visit extended family.  A history buff, he liked to stay current on politics and financial affairs.  One of his greatest joys in life was just being with family.  He cherished the time they spent together during family gatherings, dinners, and holidays.  Richard was a good man who loved his family; he especially adored being “Papa” and “Beepa” to his grandchildren.  On his last full day, despite feeling very weak and ill, he managed to get up, get dressed, and walk to the front door to visit with his great-great-grandchildren through the window.  After the visit, he settled into his recliner where he remained until he passed.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Doris M. Widmaier; his children, Debbie (Ted), Chuck (Penny), Margaret (Kevin), Paulette (Mark), and Cathy (Jim); his sister Doris; his grandchildren, Karrie, Jim (Shannon), Mike, Lauren (David), Lynn, Charlie, Madeline, Claire, and Kylie; his great grandchildren, Kyle (Ashley), Justine, Jake, Kaleb, Remington, Sophia, Quinn, and Emily; his great great grandchildren, Chloe, Ava, Harper, and Jaxon; and his niece, Doris Anne.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his great granddaughter Kelly, his brothers William, Thomas, and Ernest, his sister Loretta, and an infant brother.

Richard will be laid to rest at Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens in Novi.  Due to the limitations caused by COVID-19 the family will be having private services.  During this difficult time, please make sure to reach out to the family by leaving your thoughts online, with a card or a phone call.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project , P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.