Charles Wilder

Charles J. Wilder, age 77, died peacefully at Riverview Hospital in the early hours of July 1, 2013. He was born in Crookston, Minnesota on February 16, 1936 to Jay and Ruth (Gow) Wilder who predecease him. Charles was educated in the Crookston Public Schools and attended Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis following graduation. He served in the National Guard and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1960, being an active member of the rifle team. Chuck was active in the farming operation homesteaded in 1899 by his grandfather, Charles W. Wilder. The home farm on the east city limits was started as a truck farming operation. Chuck assumed full duties of the farm upon his father's demise when he was 23 years of age. He was delighted when his sons, Glen and Paul, joined him in the operation, and he liked nothing better than being a part of the farming activities and having the daily contact with them. Kay was his only daughter and she provided love, support and affection as only a daughter can. Chuck enjoyed a special bond with his daughter-in-law, Jaci Wilder, and delighted in seeing the transition of a city girl into a farm wife. Chuck met the love of his life, Ruth Ann Bergum (Ruthie) when they were sophomores in high school, and they married in 1957. Chuck loved music and participated in band, choir and orchestra in high school and was part of the Crookston Municipal Band. He was an active member of the Crookston Jaycees, Minnesota Crop Improvement Association, UMC Teambackers (named outstanding member in 1999), and an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He enjoyed racquetball, downhill skiing and watching his grandchildren in sporting activities and music concerts. His grandchildren's visits were very important to him, as well as the visits of his six great-grandchildren. They all received warm hugs when they visited. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ann (Ruthie), son, Glen and wife Jacqueline (Kujawa) of Crookston, daughter, Kay (Neil Penner) of Moorhead, Minnesota, and son, Paul and wife Jodi (Berg) of Crookston. Surviving grandchildren are Mary (Jonny) Noyes of Erskine, Minnesota, children, Hunter and Bailey; Matthew (Jessica Reihl) Wilder and children, Hunter and Jayden of Alexandria, Minnesota; Jennifer Wilder (Brett Meyer) and children, Bradyn and Brodie; Peter Sullivan of Crookston, Ben Sullivan of Big Sky, Montana, Abby Wilder and Emma Wilder of Crookston; step-grandchildren Todd and Emma Boerger; sisters-in-law, Elaine Keech of Detroit, Michigan and Marlene (Stanley) Hinkley of Fountain Hills, Arizona, and brother-in-law, Kenneth (Joyce) Bergum of Huntley, Illinois, along with nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives. The celebration of the life of Charles Wilder will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2013. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service and time for sharing. Visitation will also be for one hour prior to the funeral Saturday. Interment will be in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston.





























Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, July 5, 2013
Service
Saturday, July 6, 2013
cemetery
Saturday, July 6, 2013