Russell Widmer Obituary

Russell "Russ" Thomas Widmer of Myrtle Beach, passed away Friday, August 29, 2025 after a traffic accident. He was 66. Russ was born September 24, 1958 in Mound, Minn., and is survived by his wife, Pat Widmer, and their five children and their families, along with Sydney, the golden retriever. Russ was the oldest of the eldest child of Godfrey "Fritz" and Jane Widmer and he enjoyed a classic Minnesota childhood full of sports and recreation with his brothers and sisters. Russ also found his way to more obscure hobbies, including scuba diving, which included dives of wrecks in Lake Superior, among others. It was his love for downhill skiing that would ultimately lead him to the true love of his life. While studying business at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Russ worked as a ski instructor/ski patrol at nearby ski resort, Trollhaugen, in western Wisconsin. In between runs, Russ was pursued relentlessly by a chair lift operator that liked how he looked in his boots and how he "swooshed" in 'em. Pat Widmer, with three sons from a previous marriage and being 11 years his senior, was able to corner the young Russ in the chalet for warm beverages and long talks. The two were married on November 30th, 1979 and moved to Waconia, Minn. Two more children (one more son and finally a daughter) came soon afterward. In a period of just over two years, Russ went from a single college student to the breadwinner for a family of seven. It was time to get to work. Russ worked at the family business, Widmer Inc., an excavation and underground utility company, which Fritz and Jane had started in 1958. Russ settled in as an estimator for many years before becoming vice president. This chapter of Russ's life was marked by long days, huge machines, large holes in the ground, and the iconic yellow Widmer trucks buzzing around the Twin Cities. Meanwhile Pat ran a busy household that soon began to include grandchildren. The house was always full, and many memories were made around the dinner table, playing games, or watching movies. In 2002, with all of their children off to university or starting families, Russ and Pat surprised everyone and announced that they would be moving to Myrtle Beach and starting a kitchen remodeling franchise called Kitchen Tune-Up. Pat's fingerprints were all over this crazy idea, but Russ beamed with pride for moving Pat "to the beach." Russ was also certainly lured by the prospect of tennis courts that were open year-round. The experiment worked, and the Minnesota Widmers have long benefitted from having a landing spot on the beach. Two of Russ and Pat's children, their families, and one grandson now call South Carolina home. Russ and Pat lived out their entrepreneurial dreams and soon found another family to be a part of. The network of Kitchen Tune-Up franchise owners ("Toonies") around the country collaborate and support each other and Russ and Pat were now a part of a group that included many others, including married couples that had taken the exact same plunge. Many Toonies become known for one aspect of the business: this product, that procedure, etc… Russ and Pat's business became known for customer service. Their clients became their world and in those early formative years Pat's eye for design and rapport with clients along with Russ's commitment to the final product became their defining characteristic. Kitchen Tune-Up gave Russ and Pat many awards over the years, but their nationwide Customer Service Awards gave Russ and Pat the most pride. Pat retired from Kitchen Tune-Up before Russ and over the next decade the business continued to grow. These years were also filled with tennis, much of it competitive, with Russ winning many singles and doubles awards. Russ retired in 2024 and the business is still operating today by one of his grandsons. In retirement Russ focused on spending quality time with friends and family, along with playing pool, which he simply could not get enough of. A walk with Sidney in the morning, having lunch with Pat, a ride on the motorcycle, and a game of pool with friends was a perfect day for Russ. In his short retirement he had many perfect days. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Fritz and Jane Widmer. Russell is survived by his loving family: Siblings and Significant Others, SC, Marise Widmer and John Masiulis of St. Paul, MN, Chrysa and Dana Olson of Shakopee, MN, Robert and Rachel Widmer of Yukon, OK, Paul and Joni Widmer of Blaine, MN, Michael Widmer and Andrea Ryan of Renton, WA; Children and Spouses; Tony Widmer, Mike and Debbie Widmer, Matthew and Katie Widmer, Joe and Lonnie Widmer, Jennifer and Jesse Swanson, Grandchildren; Brittany, Jay, Madison, Jack, Justine, Tim, Brooke, Guy, Austin, Charlie, Georgia, Alexandra, Great-Grandchildren: Olivia, Jet, Theodore, Simon, Rowan A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 6th at Goldfinch Funeral Home in Murrells Inlet, SC. Viewing begins at 11am with service to follow. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cresswind community clubhouse around 2pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital or any organization that helps animals.