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1958
2014
GALESBURG - Michael J. Wilder Sr., 55, Galesburg, died at 4:25 a.m. Sunday, April 13, 2014, in Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
He was born Oct. 24, 1958, the son of Bruce and Louise (Hamilton) Wilder. He married Kimberly Thierry in 1989.
He is survived by his father, Bruce Wilder and mother, Louise Wilder, both of Galesburg; children, Michael J. Wilder Jr., Tiffany Wolfe, Tara Wilder, Kristi Wilder and Olivia Wilder, all of Galesburg; his girlfriend, Sheila Perez of Galesburg; two stepdaughters, Jaeden Perez of Peoria and Hannah Perez of Galesburg; nine grandchildren, Cienna Wolfe, Cain Robins, Cirrus Robins, Malik Wilder, Maliyah Wilder, Keely Whittaker, Jordyn Perez, Ayden Perez, and Josiah Perez; a sister, Cindy Wilder of Chicago; a special nephew, Marlon LaViolette of Galesburg; a special pal, Payton Moye; special friends, Pearl Wiley, Leon Pulliam, and Denise Deffenbaugh; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Mike was a firefighter for the city of Galesburg for 28 years, retiring from the Fremont Street station in 2009. He was raised and educated in Galesburg, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1976. He was a member of the 1974 GHS freshman basketball team that had an undefeated season. He attended Northeast Missouri State University for two years. Mike participated in Leadership Greater Galesburg and the Neighborhood Watch BBQ. He received the first Firefighter of the Year Award and was a member of Firefighters Local 555. He was an IHSA basketball official and softball umpire for several years. Mike was an avid fisherman, Cardinals fan, and loved to barbecue ribs.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 2014, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Rev. Tyson Parks III will officiate. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel. Galesburg firefighters will provide an honor guard at the visitation and funeral. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to an education fund for Kristi Wilder and Olivia Wilder in care of F&M Bank. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc., Galesburg.
So sorry for your loss. I remember growing up in the neighborhood with Mike, he was such a nice person. My prayers are with his family.
Janeese Piggee-Stone
April 22, 2014
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Pamela O'Neal
April 20, 2014
Condolences to Michael's family
AL Nochie & Mary Williams
April 19, 2014
So sorry for your loss... My heart goes out to you all . Thoughts and prayers for Mike and his whole family.. God Bless you all.
Lori Woods-Way
April 19, 2014
Our condolences to Louise Wilder And all of her family Michael may your soul rest in peace
Robert and Phyllis Burrell
April 18, 2014
Rest in peace and know that you are truly going to be missed.
julie houston
April 18, 2014
Michael from the very first time we meet over 25 years ago you always had a smile for me, you left all your friends and family way to soon, may your Soul Rest in Peace and God give strength to your Family, we will miss you.
Pedro Valencia
April 16, 2014
We wish to send our condolences to Michael's family. After we heard of this horrible loss, we thought of many wonderful memories that will keep Michael alive in our hearts. He was a very special person to all and we were blessed to have been a part of his life. May Michael rest in peace and God bless his family in this time of pain and sorrow.
Respectfully,
Randy Barstow and Joan Hendricks
April 16, 2014
God welcomes you home Michael.
Gina Lee-Thompson
April 16, 2014
heartfelt sympathy to all of the family
April 16, 2014
We wish to send our condolences to the Wilders family of are lost. at any time you lose a friend like Michael, you lose a family member. May god bless your family.
Aj (Dooner) williams
April 16, 2014
Sorry for the loss of a good friend god haves you now
Craig Williams
April 16, 2014
To Mike's family and friends,
Very sad to hear of his passing. I met Mike over 30 years ago when I worked at giant foods. He was a great person and will be missed.
Laurie Plummer
Laurie Plummer
April 16, 2014
I remember coming in to visit my Dad at the fire station as a little girl, you were always there to give me a hard time and make me laugh. Rest peacefully "Wild-Man". Praying for you and yours.
Jayme Stickle (McDorman)
April 15, 2014
Rest well my friend, you were the one who inspired me to cook ribs. May peace and comfort be with the family, and GOD bless you. Minister Greg "Noot" Vickers Sr & Family
Greg Vickers Sr.
April 15, 2014
To the family of Michael Wilder, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Michael had many encouraging words for my youngest son, when he refereed basketball games@ the Hawthorne Center. His thoughtfulness will not be forgotten.
Donna Bell and Family
Donna Bell
April 15, 2014
our condolences go out to the family he was a good neighbor and great guy always had a smile and always said hi to us where ever we seen him.you guys will have one of the best angels watching over you all
-the Garcias
April 15, 2014
I am very saddened by this news. Mike was a great guy and always enjoyed him referring my daughter as she played her way through school. Heaven definitely received and amazing angel!! My prayers to all the family he leaves behind.
Amy
April 15, 2014
To the family of Michael Wilder Sr. I send my deepest sympathy and my condolences to you all. You are all in my prayers as I ask God for the strength for you all to carry on. Michael will be missed deeply but remember that you can always carry him in your hearts.God bless you all , much love
Susan Ferguson
Susan Ferguson
April 15, 2014
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Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc., Galesburg1070 West Fremont Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
Apr
17
10:00 a.m.
Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc., Galesburg1070 West Fremont Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
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Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc., Galesburg1070 West Fremont Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
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