Garvin Wiedman

Garvin Wiedman was born on November 29, 1938 in Newburg, Oregon, to George and Leona (Fanselau) Wiedman. In February of 1939, the family moved back to the original family farmstead, north of Burlington, where Garvin grew up and eventually took over the farm and ranch operation. Garvin was a baptized and confirmed member of the Lutheran Faith; this sustained him through his entire life. Garvin attended the Emerson School through the 8th grade. During these early years, Garvin enjoyed hunting anything that moved. Through his high school years, Garvin enjoyed his many FFA projects and took great pride in building his 16 foot wooden boat, which was equipped with a V-8 Ford motor. At the age of 17, while still in high school, Garvin joined the National Guard. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1957. At a New Year’s Eve dance, in 1961, Garvin met Sherry Kleweno. They were married on August 27, 1961, and in September of that same year, Garvin was called to active duty, which meant a move to Fort Carson, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He actively served for one year, at which time he was discharged. Garvin and Sherry then moved back to the farm and continued their farming operation. Two daughters were welcomed to and completed Garvin and Sherry’s family. Vanessa Kay in September of 1962, and Valerie Ann in December of 1964. In the fall of 1995, Garvin and Sherry moved to Buena Vista, Colorado, this was a life-long dream of Garvins. He enjoyed being surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and endless wildlife. While living in Buena Vista, Garvin took on several jobs for numerous contractors, digging many foundations, basements and septic systems. In the spring of 1999, Garvin and Sherry found it necessary to move to Arriba, Colorado, to be closer to Garvin’s aging parents. In the summer of 2006, Garvin and Sherry moved to the home they built, just a rocks throw north of Landsman Creek. Even though Garvin had sold his cows years before, he enjoyed watching those Angus cows graze the pasture just outside his window. He also enjoyed watching the Creek rise with a big rain to the west. Garvin enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping, as well as woodworking, metal working, and restoring stationary engines. He liked to help others when he could, and took great pride in his family. Garvin passed away on December 30, 2013 at the Grace Manor Care Center in Burlington. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Sherry; daughters, Vanessa (Doug) Worden and Valerie (Steve) May; 5 grandchildren, Andrew J. (Bobbi) Worden, Brett (Pearl) Worden, Adam May (Zach Dillon), Phillip (Leah) May and Samantha May. Garvin was also survived by one brother, Darrell Wiedman, and a host of wonderful family and friends. Even though Garvin is gone from our sight, he will live forever in our hearts.