Melvin Dean Widerburg

Melvin “Mel” Dean Widerburg, 77, of Rigby, passed away Friday, March 10, 2017 at his home. Mel was born May 18, 1939, in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Leonard Orlando Widerburg and Martha Louise Moser Widerburg. He grew up on East River Rd. in Coltman, Idaho. In 1946, when Mel was 7, the family moved to Garfield. He attended schools in Rigby, graduating from Rigby High School. Mel spent 4 years in the US Navy and upon his return went into the construction business. In 1967, he married Dee Widerburg in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Mel and Dee made their home in Rigby, Idaho where they raised four children. Dee preceded him in death on September 7, 2005. Mel retired from construction in 2006. He enjoyed gardening, landscaping and being outdoors. He also loved his cats, many of which were rescues. Mel was very generous, giving his garden harvest to anyone who would come to visit. He is survived by brothers Robert (Luana), Richard (Diane), Ole (Margaret), children Mike Summers (Ann) of Alpine, UT, Tamara (Bob) Hoffman of Rigby, ID, Linda Summers of Blackfoot, ID, Leonard (Susi) Widerburg of Ammon, ID, 13 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dee, brothers Lamar & Ray, sisters Marjorie Homer & Sandra Rice. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at the Garfield 6th Ward LDS Chapel, 71 North 3700 East, Rigby. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 West Main Street, Rigby, and Tuesday, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery. Services are under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel.