Harold F Wilder

Harold Wilder, 91, died peacefully October 25, 2011, at home, in the care of his loving wife. He was born July 9, 1920, in Ovid, Colorado. He moved to Oregon with his family as a child. He married Ruth Schnier in Marshfield, OR, August 14th, 1941, and they celebrated 70 years of marriage this year. He was very proud to be a veteran having served his country in the US Army during WWII. In 1954 they moved to the Clear Lake community (now Keizer) and raised their nine children. Harold retired from Salem-Keizer Schools in 1982 after 20 years as a custodial engineer. He enjoyed leather tooling, riding his John Deere tractor, and watching the Portland Trailblazers. He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Margaret Wilder, 5 siblings and his youngest daughter, Charlene. Survivors include his wife; Ruth, son; Victor Wilder, daughters, Pat D'Amico, Harolyn(Dick) Smith, Harriett(Scott)Savage, Merri(Pat)Lynch, Nancy(Charlie)Stadeli, Joan(Tom)Daudistel, and Judy Moles. He had 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. His family also, included many nieces and nephews and numerous others that were unofficially adopted into the Wilder family . The Labish Center Community Church, where he was an usher for many years, was a very important part of his life. Harold was loved by all that knew him, which was very evident in the last few days when so many of his family and friends came to say their goodbyes. A special thank you to Willamette Valley Hospice for the compassionate care they provided. Memorial Contributions can be made to Willamette Valley Hospice or Labish Center Community Church. A memorial service will be held at 12 noon Saturday, November 5th, 2011, with a reception, to follow at Labish Center Community Church, 7114 Labish Center Road NE Salem,OR. Private interment at Howell Prairie Cemetery.