Manfred History & Preservation, Inc.
Reiner and Ruth Widiger
Husband's Full Name: Reiner R. Widiger
Husband's Place of Birth: Bowdon, North Dakota
Husband's Father's Name: Adam W. Widiger
Husband's Mother's Name: Lillian Stanibauk
Husband's Siblings' Name: Kenneth
Wife's Full Name: Ruth Anderson Widiger
Wife's Place of Birth: Manfred, ND
Wife's Father's Name: Perry Anderson
Wife's Mother's Name: Lilly Rodne Anderson
Wife's Siblings' Names: Margaret Thorson, Peter, Donald,
Verna Bowers, LoAnn Dybing, Orren
Children's Names: Carol, Ronald, Janine Schmitz, and Adele Holth
Reiner attended rural school at Bowdon and Fessenden High School. Ruth attended Manfred Elementary School and graduated from Fessenden High School.They were married on September 7, 1952. Reiner served in the Army from 1952 to 1954.
After their marriage they first lived in rural Fessenden, and then moved to Manfred. They lived in the parsonage in Manfred. Reiner became the Standard Oil Bulk Dealer in Manfred and served in this capacity for a number of years. In 1958 the bulk station was closed in Manfred. Ruth and Reiner then moved to Fessenden where he continued working with Standard Oil and became the agent there. Ruth was employed at the local ASCS and Soil Conservation District offices prior to 1960. When Reiner opened the Standard Station she partnered with him in this work. They were both instrumental in Manfred History and Preservation, Inc.
Now in their retirement years they live in the Senior Housing complex in New Rockford.
Source: Fessenden Centennial Book 1893 – 1993 with adaptations