Nathan Tobin Widgren, 73

Nathan “Nate” Tobin Widgren passed away peacefully in his home in Clark Fork, Idaho, surrounded by family on August 24, 2026, at the age of 73.

He was born to Willard Orion and Esther May (Haines) Widgren in Orofino, Idaho, on September 13, 1952. He graduated from Clark Fork High School and in 1970 he joined the U.S. Navy and served with distinction until his retirement in 1992 as Gunners Mate Chief w/Special Warfare designation ‘GMC (SW)’. Throughout his naval career, he established himself as an expert in his field and was frequently called upon to go above and beyond the call of duty. 

Upon his naval retirement, Nate returned home to Clark Fork and became a foundational part of this community, through acts of service with the VFW and other organizations. In 2011 he was voted Mr. VFW. He also used his leadership experience in a second career as Director of Security for Schweitzer Mountain Resort. In this capacity, he participated in Bonner County safety operations. 

Nate was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. He was a talented musician and singer, and always had a band, whether onboard ship in the middle of an ocean, in a local watering hole or hanging out on the front porch. On October 8, 2020, Nate married the love of his life, Helga Margareta (Kleinke) Wilkens. Nate was a family man above everything else. 

Nate is preceded by his parents; sister, Donna; stepson, John; and brothers-in-law, Jim, Ray and Loren. He awaits in heaven for his wife, Helga; brothers, Billy (wife Sonja) and David (wife Melinda); sisters, Marlene, Nona, Laurel and Helen (husband Mike); daughter, Heather and son-in-law Charles; son, Alexander and daughter-in-law Kathryn; step-daughter, Theresa (husband Lance); granddaughters, Mekayla, Erica (husband Christopher), and Avery; grandsons, Tobin (wife Millennium), Jacob, Noah, Cody (wife Erika), Wyatt (wife Carley), Tristan (wife Carla), and Evan; great-grandchildren, Cora, Oaklyn, Alliah, Adeline, Reya, Iver and Veera; and a passel of nieces and nephews. He loved each and every one greatly.

Dad’s favorite quote “We’re travelers in this world. From the sweet grass to the packing house. Birth ‘til death. We travel between the eternities.” -Broken Trail

Per Nate’s wishes, there will be a private, family only gathering at the family memorial on August 29, 2026, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to a veterans organization of your choice.

Family and friends are invited to sign Nathan's online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.