William J. "Bill" Wilde

1930 - 2024

William "Bill" J. Wilde

Oct. 6, 1930 - Aug. 4, 2024

WISCONSIN DELLS - William "Bill" J. Wilde, age 93, of Wisconsin Dells, passed away at home on Sunday, August 4, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born on October 6, 1930, in Ypsilanti, MI, the son of William J. H. and Bertha C. (Helzerman) Wilde.

Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army toward the end of the Korean Conflict. He was honored to be a part of the Badger Honor Flight in April of 2022.

Bill attended Michigan University where he received his Masters degree. He taught Chemistry at Harbor Springs High School in Michigan before becoming a Chemistry Professor at North Central Michigan College, and later a professor in the College of St. Francis in Joliet, IL, where he also taught Astronomy.

On July 16, 1983, Bill was united in marriage to Patricia Milliken in Oak Park, IL. Bill and Pat moved to Wisconsin Dells in 1995 following Bill's retirement.

He was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Reedsburg where he served as a Parish Trustee, Lector and served on various committees. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Reedsburg VFW Post #1915 and American Legion Post #350, and the South Central Shamrock Club. He and Pat were volunteers at Kid's Ranch where Bill acted as a tutor and mentor for the kids. He was an avid astronomer and often held viewing sessions for the students of Sacred Heart School to view and learn about the constellations.

Bill was a great story teller and enjoyed acting as a member of the Reedsburg Players theater group. He was an accomplished wood carver and enjoyed many aspects of working with wood. He had a green thumb and grew beautiful flowers and vegetables that he was able to share with family and friends.

Bill enjoyed traveling with Pat and was able to visit family in Ireland several times as well as travel much of the United States. A fond memory of his was traveling to Argentina and Chile with his sons and grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother of his children, June (Wilde) Renner; sister, Nancy Coburn.

Bill is survived by his wife, Patricia; children: Joyce Wilde (Steve Renwick), Mark (Mary) Wilde, David (Yvonne) Wilde, Eric (Kathy Lund) Wilde, Bill Wilde; grandchildren: Elspeth Wilde (Mike LaVitola), Ben (Autumn) Wilde, Maxwell (Megan Chase) Wilde, Josh (Kristin Borrero) Wilde, Jocelyn Lund Wilde (Andrew Fiore); great-grandchildren: George, Walker, Ben and Oliver; brother-in-law, Denny (Mary) Milliken; he was an uncle to many.

A special thank you goes to all who cared for Bill in his last days, especially Brightstar, Agrace Hospice, and the many family members and friends who gave of their time to help. It was greatly appreciated.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Wiliam J. Wilde will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Reedsburg, with Father John Blewett officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Reedsburg. Visitation will be held on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kid's Ranch, PO Box 219, Baraboo, WI 53913.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family with the arrangements.