Jesse Eugene Widler, 65, of Enterprise, Kansas passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of July 30th, 2024 at Village Manor in Abilene, Kansas after a long battle with his health at Via Ascension Christi St. Francis in Wichita, Kansas.
Jesse was born at Abilene Memorial Hospital in Abilene, Kansas on March 18, 1959 to Floyd Irvin Widler and Ursula (Debus) Haller. He grew-up on the family farm outside of Enterprise, Kansas and graduated from Chapman High School in the class of 1978. After graduating, he worked for several different co-ops and eventually started doing a trash route with his brother, George on Ft. Riley. He also continued to help his dad and brothers farm.
In 1990, Jesse met Kim Anderson in Enterprise, Kansas. Jesse adopted Kim’s son, James J Widler. In December of 1992, their daughter, Stephanie Marie Widler was born. Jesse loved being a dad and went above and beyond for his kids.
Jesse worked for the road crew for Dickinson County for several years and went back to work on Fort Riley for years too. Eventually, Kim and him purchased what was the R-Bar in Enterprise, Kansas and ran that together until their divorce in 2008.
Jesse started working for the City of Enterprise doing trash route and general labor. He absolutely loved running the trash truck and enjoyed visiting with the citizens of Enterprise and feeding treats to the dogs along his route. He had to leave the City of Enterprise crew in 2019 due to the onset of health issues.
In August of 2019, Jesse was joined in marriage to Yolande (Allen) Widler in Enterprise, Kansas. They resided in Enterprise, Kansas together until his death.
Jesse ran and won the position for Mayor of Enterprise, Kansas in 2021. He absolutely loved the City of Enterprise and was happy to be able to serve the citizens of the town. He was also a member of the Enterprise Community Church and a regular contributor to the ASCPA. He will always be remembered very fondly by family and friends. He loved to visit and seemed to always be making new friends. Jesse loved his tractors, all of his animals, spending time on the farm, and making memories with his friends and family. He will be greatly missed by his beloved family and all of his friends spread throughout the country.
Survivors include his wife, Yolande Widler, who resides at the homeplace, daughter Stephanie Widler of Enterprise, son James Widler of Enterprise, sister Brenda Cain (Kenny) of Abilene, brother Bryan (Butch) Widler of Enterprise, and two granddaughters, Ridley McDonald and Rylee Sester both of Enterprise, Kansas.
Jesse was preceded in death by both of his parents and two brothers, George Widler and William (Billy) Widler.
A Celebration of Life in honor of Jesse will be announced at a later date in the early fall for family and friends to attend.