Bridgette Marie Widiker (Strand), 42, passed away unexpectedly and much too soon in her home on March 22, 2023.

Bridgette was born in Rice Lake on May 5, 1980, to her parents Harley and Debra, and she graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1998.

In 2004 she welcomed her first and only child Andrew into the world, who filled her with constant pride. Bridgette later went back to school and earned her bachelor's degree in social work, serving as the Community Resource Coordinator for Inclusa and helping countless people over the years. She met her best friend and soulmate Michael Widiker in 2006, and the two married in 2018. Bridgette loved spending time with her family and friends, and was especially inseparable from her husband Mike and son Andrew. Together they loved hunting and fishing and the outdoors in general, and enjoyed weekends at the lake and swimming

Bridgette is survived by Mike and Andrew, the loves of her life. She is also survived by her father, Harley Strand; mother and stepfather, Debra and Tim Smith; brother Erik Strand and Abby; stepbrother Mitch Smith and his wife Ashley; grandfather Doug Karis; and three nieces.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Gordon and Betty Strand and her grandmother Donna Karis.

Visitation for Bridgette will be held at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 1-4PM with a funeral service at 4PM. A luncheon will be held following the service at the Blue Hills Masonic Lodge.

Last Update: Mar 27, 2023 12:49 pm CDT