William E. Wildner Jr.

AUBURN - William E. Wildner Jr., 89, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away July 18, 2011. He was born Jan. 9, 1922, and was a life resident of Auburn. He was an Eagle Scout, an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed his family. He served in the Air Force with the B-26 Marauders during World War II, serving in Africa, England and France, and was awarded the Purple Heart. He and his brother, John, ran the Auburn Scuba Dive Shop, and he was a member of the Auburn Scuba Diver Association. While he was first mate on fishing charters on Lake Ontario, we all enjoyed the fish he caught in Skaneateles Lake. He retired from Auburn Spark Plug after 35 years. He met his devoted wife of 64 years, Lucette Wildner, in France while stationed there during the war. Surviving is his wife and their three children, Mary T. Murray (Keith S.), of Tully, William E. Wildner III, of Auburn, and Gary A. Wildner (Claire), of Niles, Ohio; grandchildren, Alisa M. Gardiner (Todd), Jeffrey O'Hara, Brian Wildner, Kevin Wildner, William M. Wildner; and great-grandchildren, Maisy and Adelyne Gardiner, Alexis O'Hara. He is also survived by his sister, Louise Flynn, of Florida; and all will miss him dearly. He was predeceased by his parents, William E. and Louise Schreck Wildner Sr.; sisters, Mary Rolling, Carol Day; brothers, David and John. Friends and relatives are invited to join the family at 10 a.m. Friday, in Holy Family Church for William's Mass of Christian burial. Calling hours are 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, at the Pettigrass Funeral Home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Matthew House or to Meals on Wheels. To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.