Robert Edward Wilder, Sr., age 82, passed away on February
8, 2026, and his beloved wife, Janie Mae Wilder, age 81,
passed away just one month later on March 11, 2026.
Their
passing marked the end of a remarkable love story that
began when they met at a square dance in Kankakee, IL,
when Jane was only 12 years old. They eventually began
dating and were married on June 29, 1963. Together, they
shared nearly 63 years of marriage, raising a family,
building careers, traveling, and creating a lifetime of
memories.
Bob
was born in Kankakee, IL, on June 12, 1943, to Eugene and
Genevieve (Gawronski) Wilder, later Genevieve Miller. He
attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School and Kankakee
High School, graduating with the class of 1961.
Jane
was born in Tazewell, TN, on October 5, 1944, to Hugh and
Mae (Jones) Townsley. Her family moved to Kankakee when
she was in the sixth grade, and she graduated from
Kankakee High School with the class of 1962.
Bob began his career as a carpenter and later worked for
many years as a roofer. After earning an Associate Degree
from Kankakee Community College, he became a Realtor and
remained in that profession for the rest of his career. He
was a hardworking man who was dedicated to supporting his
family and was a devoted husband.
Jane
worked at Kresge's until she and Bob began their family.
She then stayed home to raise their children while they
were young before later working for many years at Farm and
Fleet. In 1985, she earned an Associate Degree in
Accounting from Kankakee Community College. She went on to
keep the accounting books for Riverside Hospital for
numerous years, taking great pride in the extensive
responsibilities she handled and the exceptional accuracy
of her work.
Family
was at the center of Bob and Jane's lives. They enjoyed
camping, swimming, biking and playing cards. One of Bob's
favorite birthday presents was the year Jane gave him
flying lessons. He went on to earn his private pilot's
license, and the two of them enjoyed many adventures
together in the air and on the ground. They especially
loved hot weather vacations and ultimately retired to
Florida in 2017.
Bob
enjoyed watching movies, particularly John Wayne westerns,
going to the fitness center, working on puzzles, and
playing golf. Jane loved walking for exercise and reading
a good book. Throughout her life, Jane was a wonderful
cook and took great joy in bringing people together around
a good meal. Above all, Jane will be remembered for the
kind, patient, gentle, and selfless qualities she
consistently shared with those around her.
Bob
is survived by his daughter, Dawn Wilder Pilney of West
Bend, WI; son, Robert Wilder Jr. (Margaret) of Cary, NC;
grandchildren, Jessica Wilder Harper of Goldsboro, NC;
James Wilder of Cary, NC; Timothy Pilney (Justice), Ethan
Pilney, and Megan Pilney of West Bend, WI; and
great-grandchildren, Greyson and Novelia Pilney of West
Bend, WI.
Jane
is survived by the same beloved children, grandchildren,
and great-grandchildren; her sister, Nan Thomas (the late
Wayne Thomas) of WA; her brother, Eugene Townsley
(Shirley) of Tazewell, TN; and many extended relatives.
She also shared a particularly special bond with her niece
Lucy Moyers of Speedwell, TN, who grew up like a sister to
her.
Bob
was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings,
Eugene Wilder (surviving spouse, Claudia), Barbara Walker
(Charles), and Rosalie Wilder. Jane was preceded in death
by her parents and siblings, Ruby (Kenneth) Hurst, Roxie
Warren, Dewey Whitaker Jr., Clay Whitaker, and Inez (Ules)
Reese.
The
family extends its heartfelt gratitude for the
compassionate care Bob received from Hope Hospice in Cape
Coral, FL. The care provided during his final days made a
tremendous difference in his comfort and quality of life,
and the family will be forever grateful. The family is
equally grateful to Horizon Hospice in West Bend, WI, for
the compassionate support and care provided to Jane during
her final months while she lived with her daughter Dawn.
The
family held a small, private celebration of life for Bob
and Jane. In early August, their children and
grandchildren gathered together to honor their wishes by
releasing their ashes into the ocean. It was a beautiful
and fitting final tribute to a couple who spent nearly 63
years side by side.
The
National Cremation Society assisted the family following
Bob's passing, and Peace of Mind Funeral Home assisted the
family following Jane's passing.
In
lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in
Bob's honor to the Hospice Foundation of America, with the
donation designated as a memorial gift.
n
Jane's memory, donations may be made to the Cure
Alzheimer's Fund, in hopes of sparing the next generation.
Please indicate that your donation is a memorial gift.
Bob
and Jane's story began with a chance meeting as young
teenagers and continued through nearly 63 years of
marriage. They built a family, supported one another
through their careers and life's challenges, shared
adventures and simple pleasures, and remained devoted to
each other throughout their lives. Their greatest legacy
is the family they created and the love they shared. Their
children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who
knew them will be glad to hold onto memories of the best
of times.
