William J. Wilde, 88, formerly of Thiensville, passed away Friday, January 8, 2016 at the Samaritan Health Center, West Bend.
He was born on September 13, 1927 in Milwaukee to the late Henry and Anna (nee Lamp) Wilde. He was united in marriage to Jeanne G. Gearhard on June 14, 1952 at St. Robert’s Church in Milwaukee. Jeanne passed away on October 7, 1978.
He served in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1945 to 1946. He owned and operated Gillfoy Printing in Milwaukee for many years until his retirement in 2002. He enjoyed spending time at Rollingstone Lake, relaxing and trying to catch the “Big One”.
Those William leaves behind to cherish his memory include eight children, James (Marge) Wilde of Thiensville, WI, Anne (Brian) Carmody of Columbus, WI, Joan (Michael) Keene of Richmond, VA, Charles (Pam) Wilde of Grand Chute, WI, Denise (Roger) Kist of West Bend, WI, Daniel (Jean) Wilde of Bowling Green, KY, Mary (Duane) Simon of Glendale, WI, and Mark (Beth Baker) Wilde of Brighton, MN; 15 grandchildren, Chelsey Thill, Caitlin (Jared Schroeder) Carmody, Joshua (Carrie) Keene, Christopher (Jennifer) Keene, Jason (Jenny) Wilde, Jemy (Dave) Joslin, Julie (Jerry) Petri, Jeffrey (Meghan) Kist, Meghan Wilde, Jackie Wilde, Jacob Wilde, Andrew Wilde, Ellie Wilde, Alex Simon and Allie Simon; 12 great-grandchildren, Evelyn Keene, Massey Keene, Joseph Wilde, Kate Wilde, Izaiah Joslin, Emma Joslin, Ayden Joslin, James Petri, Austin Petri, Addelyn Kist, Jason Kist, and Riley Kist; other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, David Wilde, and a great-granddaughter, Lauren Wilde.
A memorial service in remembrance of William will be held on Saturday, January 16 at 2:00 p.m. at the Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington St., West Bend. The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home from 12:00 Noon until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight would be appreciated.
The family expresses their gratitude to the staff of the Samaritan Health Center and Allay Home and Hospice for the care given to William.
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with William’s arrangements. Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com