Dale Eldon Widner Sr., age 71 of Ronald, WA, died February 23, 2006 at the VA Hospital in Seattle. He was a former resident of West Seattle.

Dale was born March 25, 1934 in Seattle to Floyd and Gudrun (Gunderson) Widner. Dale grew up in the Seattle/Tacoma area and in Portland, OR. He graduated from Washington High School in Portland in 1952. Dale was an active minister of Jehovah's Witnesses for nearly 50 years.

Dale was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He will be remembered for his positive attitude and unique sense of humor despite many health adversities. He enjoyed long road trips with his family and the outdoors, especially the ocean during a winter storm. Dale was a lover of all animals, especially birds and turtles, and will be remembered for always having his own "zoo" in his house. He never failed to enjoy life, finding joy in all things. He always had time for his family and friends. Dale especially enjoyed being "Papa" to his grandchildren.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; young daughter Karen Widner; brothers, Richard Widner and Leo Verbon; infant grandson Cody Hamlin.

Dale is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Joyce Widner; sons: Dale Widner Jr. (Robin) of Carlsbad, CA; Philip Widner (Kimberly) and Dane Widner (Kim) of Cle Elum, WA; daughter Ayanna (Ben) Nelson of Roslyn, WA. Step children: Joanne Bown of Seattle, Janet (Ross) Melin of Ellensburg, Cindy Benson of Covington, Tucker (Caroline) White of Ellensburg, Jay (Diane) White of Evanston, WY, Robert (Kathy) Hamlin, Wendy Hamlin and Heidi (Denver) Miller of Ellensburg, WA; 28 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; sisters: Shirley Davis, Muriel Knapp, Vivian Gould and Helen Locatelli.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday March 11, 2006 at 2:00pm at the Cle Elum Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 617 West 1st Street, Cle Elum. A memorial reception will follow at the Centennial Center (Senior Center) 719 East 3rd Street, Cle Elum.