The Shemwell Family

Herman Kessler Widick Obituary and Family Listing HERMAN WIDICK COCOA BEACH Herman K. Fritz Widick, 76, a Space Pioneer, passed away Friday, Septem ber 28, 2007. When he was born September 1, 1931 his spark ignited on the banks of the mighty Missouri River. Today we carry the flame from that spark forward as he no longer can. As a young man, Fritz grew up with eyes wide and mind open, vistas every where.He was steeped in river mud and gunpowder rockets (some exploding), self-built boats with sails hewn together by the family sewing machine, sweethearts, and heartaches. This was all in the shadow of next-door neighbor Amelia Earhart. Despite losing his mother due to a sudden illness and sister, Sara, in an automobile accident, Fritzs childhood would lead to a quest and a passion. With the disappearance of Ms. Earhart, Fritz soon replaced her as favored son of his hometown -Atchison, Kansas, and he would go on to lead Midwest America and the world forward into the quest of Space. Fritz left Atchison, Kansas and graduated with the first five engineering physics students from Kansas University in 1954. A Navy officers commission fol lowed and he was Officer of the Deck aboard a destroyer on the Sea of Japan. Following his honorable discharge, he mar ried Kathleen McKee and moved to Cocoa Beach in 1957. He began his career in the fledgling U.S. Space Program. His efforts, praised by astro nauts and engineers throughout his 40 years of service, directly contributed to the successful completion of Atlas, Titan II, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and the Space Shuttle. I flew them all, he said, serving on more pro grams than almost any other person in NASA history. As Chief Test Conductor for the lunar module and lunar rover he interacted with the astronauts on the Apollo missions. Follow ing Apollo 11 a letter regaling his achievements was sent to him by then President Nixon. Atchison, Kansas welcomed him as a hero with Fritz Widick Space Days. A weeklong cele bration was held in his honor. Cocoa Beach offered Fritz more than just a career. The Atlantic Ocean and Banana River Lagoon were his play grounds. Fritz was a family man and adventurer, and his four children thrived on his leader ship. Family time consisted of cross-country cartravel, visits back to Kansas, fishing and div ing trips, and camping. Destina tions spanned from the Keys and Bahamas to Canada, Kansas, and California. At his direction, the family completed construction of the sailboat Guffey and sailed for years in the Banana River and Bahamas. His four children are respected medical professionals in Brevard and Palm Beach Counties. Fritz died Friday September 28th, at home following a strug gle with cancer. He left fighting, not ready to leave this place he called paradise. He is survived by his sister, Joe Casterline and her husband Paul; his ex-wife, Kathleen; and his four children, Ann Giganti and husband James, Kristin Smallwood and husband Chuck, Mark Widick and wife Jeanette and Michael Widick and wife Maki. He has nine grandchil dren. And now, like the many rockets he launched into Space, his thunderous echo fades into our twilight. We are left to cher ish his memory as we blink away the phantom images seared into our eyes during his brilliant life. Good luck and God-Speed Fritz! Your loving family and friends will miss you. Services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday October 6th, at the First United Methodist Church of Cocoa Beach, 3300 North Atlantic Avenue. In lieu of flowers, a donation maybe made to: Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Please send to: Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, 6225 Vectorspace Blvd., Titusville, FL 32780 https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/floridatoday/name/herman-widick-obituary?id=24722798

Joanne Casterline (nee Widick) Obituary and Family Listing Our cherished mother, Joanne Widick Casterline, peacefully passed away on July 7, 2024, at the age of 95. Her unwavering love and support were a constant presence in our lives, and she will be deeply missed. Joanne embodied many roles throughout her life: a devoted mother, a Master Gardener, an active member of PEO, and the President of San Diego State Continuing Education. Above all, she cherished her time spent in her beloved garden, particularly in her ‘Outback’ area, which she meticulously designed to feature flowers and plants indigenous to Australia and New Zealand. Born in Atchison, Kansas, Joanne enjoyed an idyllic childhood with a breathtaking view of the Missouri River. She often reminisced about her neighbor, Amelia Earhart, whose pioneering spirit instilled a sense of female empowerment in her from a young age. Tragically, at the age of ten, Joanne contracted polio while on a family vacation in Minnesota, a difficult journey that coincided with the unexpected loss of her mother. Despite this lifelong challenge, her resilience and passion for life remained unshakeable. Joanne's educational journey led her to Scripps College in Claremont, California, where she met her husband, Paul B. Casterline. Their union flourished as they embraced the joys of adoption, welcoming daughter Sara Guffey Writer and son Daniel Paul Casterline into their loving home. In honoring Joanne's legacy, the family asks that you remember her for the joy and light she brought into the lives of those around her, rather than the sadness of her passing. Joanne’s remarkable 95 years are a testament to a life well lived, filled with love, resilience, and inspiration. ‘In leu of sending flowers please consider making a donation to the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo: https://www.rbrotary.org/ We will be celebrating Joanne’s Life at the Heights Golf Course 16066 Bernardo Heights Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92128on October 20, 2024 from 2:00 - 6:00. In recognition of Joanne’s love of flowers and colors please feel free to wear your brightest attire. Not mandatory of course. https://www.powaybernardomortuary.net/obituary/joanne-w-casterline