Les V. Wildin

Funeral Mass for Les Wildin will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona. The funeral will be live streamed on the Divine Mercy Parish YouTube page. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Algona. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Algona.
Leslie Vernon Wildin was born on January 12, 1929, in Algona, the son of Douglas and Emmagene (Phillips) Wildin. He started his education in country school then was transferred to Algona High School and graduated with the class of 1946. During high school he helped on his father's farm. After graduating, besides assisting on the farm, he also worked for Merryman's Bridge Construction, until he went to serve his country in the US Navy, enlisting in 1951. He was honorably discharged in June 1955, at which time he started farming fulltime.
Les was united in marriage with Phyllis "Peg" Ristau, on October 22, 1952. Together they were blessed with three children: Leslie Dawn, Terri, and Doug.
In his younger years, Les enjoyed motorcycling, playing pool, bowling and dancing. For 30 years he was a legend on race tracks in Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota, achieving the title of "Season Champion". This garnished him with induction into, not only the Kossuth County Speedway Hall of Fame, but also the Iowa Racing Hall of Fame. Throughout his life, he was active in his community, serving as a member of the Farm Bureau and the local VFW. He was also a faithful member of St. Cecelia Catholic Church.
He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his faith, and his lifelong commitment to the land he loved. His steady presence, kind heart, and quiet strength touched the lives of many. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, love, and integrity that will continue to live on through his family and all who knew him.
Les died on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Kossuth Regional Health Center. He was 96.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Peg Wildin of Algona; his children, Leslie Dawn (Brad) Uzlik of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Terri (Ron) Forburger and Doug Wildin both from Algona; 9 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and sister, Sharon Wildin-Dunn of Lynden, WA. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Preceding him in death are his father and stepmother, Douglas and Bernetta Wildin; mother and stepfather, Emmagene and Truman Dunn.