Daniel P. Wilder

Daniel P. Wilder, 75, died on Sunday, December 13, 2020. He was born January 18, 1945 to Walter and Ann (Ruzicka) Wilder. He graduated from Aquinas High School in 1963. Dan was in the Air Force from 1965 until 1969. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and also spent time in Vietnam in Cam Ron Bay, servicing aircrafts.

On September 13, 1980 he married Mary Boisen and they had been married for 40 years. Over the years they went on many wonderful vacations; from traveling to California on his Harley Davidson, to visiting many national parks, Hawaii and a cruise to Alaska. They also enjoyed trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Dan worked at Everbrite Sign Company (formerly Nesco Briteway) for 36 years before retiring in 2007. Dan enjoyed riding motorcycles for over 30 years. He also became quite good at golf. It was very hard for him to give up the motorcycle and golf after having major surgery. Dan was an excellent wood craftsman. He made several pieces of furniture for their home. He also created wonderful works of art in a style called intarsia. Many people were very lucky to have one of his pieces. Dan also did all of the landscaping for their home, always digging another garden for Mary when she wanted one. He was a wonderful handyman and wasn’t afraid to tackle any home project.

Dan and Mary didn’t have any children, but over the years they were blessed with four-legged fur persons, Mandy, Molly and Dixie. All of the dogs were truly loved by Dan.

Dan is survived by his wife, Mary. He is also survived by his brother, Joe (Mick) Wilder; his sisters-in-law, Sharon (Ken) Covey, Marcia (Dave) Seymour, Beth Eldridge and Virginia (Deedee) Boisen. He had many nieces and nephews from both his family and Mary’s family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Dale and Gene.

Dan suffered with poor health after having a couple of cancer surgeries and other serious health issues since 2012. He was a tough, strong person and persevered through many health problems. Now he is free from all of the pain. Thank you to all of the wonderful staff at Gundersen Health System. Dan was truly loved and will be greatly missed. “I love you, Honey Dear.”