William ‘Billy’ Paul Widiger, Jr., 47, passed away Nov. 24, 2025, at Pratt Regional Medical Center, in Pratt, Kan. He was born April 28, 1978, in Valley City, N.D. to William ‘Willy’ and Tina (Sauter) Widiger. Billy was previously married to Joey Ramos and she had a daughter, Victoria Flores. They later divorced. He married Melissa Ewing, Dec. 16, 2006, in Great Bend, Kan.  

Billy grew up in Butte, N.D., before moving to Jetmore in 1992. He then moved to Larned and worked for Carr Auto Electric as a small engine master mechanic. A current resident of Great Bend, Billy presently worked for Harbison-Fischer as a warehouse manager and part time for the Claflin Police Department and as a CDL instructor. He previously served on the Great Bend Police Department for nine years and later worked for Mark’s Custom Signs.  

Billy was a strong Godly man and was a faithful member of Encounter Church. He was involved in the men’s ministry, at Encounter Church and his passion was supporting and mentoring others. He lived his faith out loud and used the tests in his life for his testimony. Billy loved the outdoors and riding his bikes, whether they needed pedaling or had a motor. He enjoyed coffee, shooting, and paintballing were some of his greatest enjoyments. Yet even with all he loved, his heart was centered on God, and he saw his greatest joy and blessing in the time he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends.

Survivors include his father and step mother, William ‘Willy’ and Laverne Widiger of Mesa, Ariz.; beloved wife of 19 years, Melissa Widiger of Great Bend; son, Korbin Widiger of Great Bend; two daughters, Anissa Bell (Marshall Slief) and Jordan Ewing, both of Great Bend; grandchildren, J.R. Bell, Elizabeth Bell, and Conor Bell; sister, Jennifer Marie Widiger (Avi Tanners) of Washington; and grandmother, Beverly Widiger, of Meza, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his mother, Tina Widiger; grandparents, Leonard Widiger, Floyd Sauter, and Betsy Sauter.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, at Encounter Church with Pastor Dwight Dozier presiding. Burial will follow at Great Bend Cemetery North. Visitation is available from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, with family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Memorials have been designated to Encounter Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 29, 2025