Nile Frank Wilding

1928 - 2026

On January 8, 2026, Nile Frank Wilding of Blackfoot, Idaho, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones. He was 97 years young. Nile was born August 20, 1928 to Frank Oldham and Alice Jennette Knight Wilding in Rexburg, Idaho. He was the second of eight children.

His early years were spent in the Teton Valley helping his dad with the farming and livestock. The farming was all done with horses and by hand without machinery which created his good work ethic. He grew to love fishing and hunting with his dad during these years.

They moved to Sugar City in the fall of 1942 so he could attend high school. Here he met and married his high school sweetheart, Karla Mortensen. They moved to Mud Lake in 1959 where they lived and raised six children. They were later divorced in 1984. He operated a milk route, was a good farmer and had a dairy operation. He passed on his hard work ethic on to his children.

In 1987 Nile met and married his loving soulmate, Barbara. They lived in Blackfoot where they enjoyed life to its fullest until she passed away in 2017 leaving a very empty space in his heart.

After moving to Blackfoot, Nile took the time to pursue his woodworking hobby which became a small business for him. He made beautiful pieces of furniture, clocks, and other treasured gifts for all of his family and friends.

He also spent more time fishing with his friends and family. He loved to be on a lake or by a stream trying to catch the big ones.

Nile loved the gospel and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint's. He served as a scoutmaster for many years and enjoyed working with the young men. Barbara and Nile also served a service mission working in the Deseret Industries warehouse.

Nile was fiercely independent, lived alone in his home and loved his yard and garden. He was proud of his beautiful roses and other flowers. He also enjoyed taking his special friend, Leah, for drives. His mind was sharp, he knew and cared about everyone until he died.

Nile loved his family and was blessed to gain four more children and their families when he married Barbara.

He leaves behind his children; Frank (Jeannette), Merlin (Patty), Nyla Hicks, Terry (Michelle), Cindi Sanders, Steve (Margene) Reed, Kathy (Daniel) Owen, Debbie (Mike) Bideganeta.

His sisters, Loudene (Jack) Dove and Adelle Wilding.

28 Grand Children

57 Great Grand Children

8 Great Great Grand Children

He was preceded in death by his son, Merrill "Lynn," and his parents. His spouses Karla and Barbara. His sisters Carol Orme, Darlene Walters, Bertina Steiner, and brothers, Harlo and Verla. And his Stepson, Craig (Roxanne) Reed.

The family appreciates the loving kindness from his Enhabit Hospice caretakers, neighbors and Blackfoot 7th ward. The members were very important to him especially his ministering brother David Case who went the extra mile in taking care of his needs.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2026 at the Blackfoot Stake Center, 1650 Highland Drive, under direction of Hawker Funeral Home. The family will meet with friends prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial services will be that afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at the Sugar City Cemetery.