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Thursday, October 05, 2006

Ind. Courts - "Nappanee honors retiring judge"

Mandy McFarland of the Pilot Newsreports today:

NAPPANEE - At a retirement celebration at the Main Street Coffee House downtown, with friends, family and city officials gathered, Judge David Widmoyer bade farewell to his 27-year career as Nappanee city judge.

Widmoyer served as city judge until Sept. 1 of this year, when he decided it was time to hang up his judge's robe in favor of a more restful way of life.

The celebration took place at what is now known as the Main Street Coffee House, but was once the B & B Restaurant, which Widmoyer and his wife owned and operated for a number of years.

Those gathered cheered as State Representative Jacki Walorski, on behalf of Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, declared Widmoyer Sagamore of the Wabash for his numerous contributions throughout his life and career. Sagamore of the Wabash is the highest award that the governor of the state of Indiana can bestow upon an individual.

“As far as anyone knows, he is the only one from Nappanee to ever receive it,” said Mayor Larry Thompson.

Thompson gave a brief speech highlighting some of the contributions that Widmoyer has made over the years and what those contributions have meant to Nappanee.

“You are the reason that our community is where we choose to live and raise our families,” he said to Widmoyer.

After the speeches had ended, Widmoyer had time to reflect on some of the highlights of his career.

“At the court we had many instances of changed lives,” he said. “That was gratifying.”

After a lifetime of service to Nappanee, Widmoyer looks forward to his retirement days.

“I want to have a nice footstool to put my feet on so I can relax,” he commented.

A 1948 graduate of Nappanee High School, Widmoyer went on to serve a number of influential roles. An ordained minister of the North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, Widmoyer pastored in the United Methodist Church for forty years. His various positions within the town of Nappanee have included working as a member of the Common Council, the Board of Zoning, the City Plan Commission and the Board of Public Works and Safety, as well as president of Board of Parks and Recreation, the Nappanee Library Leasing Corporation and of the Wa-Nee Holding Corporation.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on October 5, 2006 02:42 PM
Posted to Indiana Courts