Renee Lorena Widmark

Renee Widmark, age 68, of Cottonwood and formerly of Ivanhoe, Minnesota, passed away with her family by her side on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center in Marshall, Minnesota. Memorial Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, also at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m., at Hamilton Funeral Home. Following the memorial service, there will be a luncheon at the Cottonwood Community Center (142 W Main Street, Cottonwood, MN 56229).

Renee LoRena Burchill was born on December 3, 1953, to parents Douglas and Gayle (DeLong) Burchill in Worthington, Minnesota. She was raised in the Worthington area, attended the area school district, and was baptized and confirmed in the Christian Faith. On September 13, 1975, Renee was united in marriage to Alan Widmark, and to this union, 4 children were born: Michelle, Melissa, Aaron, and Drew.

She accomplished her life-long goal of becoming a mother and spent her children’s early years as a stay-at-home mom and farm wife. Between being a mother and a farm wife, Renee also had a variety of jobs that she held throughout the years. In 2004, Renee moved to Cottonwood and started working at Norcraft Cabinetry, where she worked for a number of years. Renee was currently employed as a Lead Cashier at the Cottonwood Co-op C-store where she put her love of people to use. She thoroughly enjoyed “gabbing” with the locals that would stop, especially the group of coffee regulars.

Renee instilled the importance of family in her children from a young age, and the family often bonded by going on vacations and spending as much time together with each other as they could. Most of the time these were holidays, small vacations, like camping or going to Valleyfair. Renee’s favorite place to be was in the presence of her children and grandchildren.

Renee had a love for life. She loved to laugh, and she lived life to the fullest. Her love grew even more with the birth of her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching their sporting events, like hockey and volleyball, but the best was watching them grow up. She also loved live concerts and listening to music. Renee had many great friends that she cherished spending every moment with.

Renee passed away with her family by her side on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. She reached the age of 68 years and 26 days. Blessed be her memory.

Renee is survived by her children, Michelle (and Arthur Jr.) Milner of Cottonwood, Melissa Haney of Marshall, Aaron (and Lynn) Widmark of Becker, Drew (and Shannon) Widmark of Salina, KS; 5 grandchildren, Brandon Milner, Miranda Milner, Aidan Widmark, Breckyn Widmark, Brayia Widmark; siblings Alvin “Ray” (and Mary) Burchill of Mankato, Jay (and Peg) Burchill of Arizona, Debi (Dale) Geertsema of Valrico, FL, Tony (Julie) Burchill of Fulda; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Douglas and Gayle Burchill, and granddaughter, Rachel Widmark.