Submitted by: Dan Rich

Gerald S. Wilder

March 31, 1931 - Oct. 29, 2008

South Bend Tribune 11/2/2008
MISHAWAKA - Gerald S. Wilder, 77, better known as Jerry, of Mishawaka, went home with the Lord on October 29, 2008 at the W.J. Riley Hospice Home in Munster, IN., following a lengthy battle with cancer. He will be missed by many. Jerry was born March 31, 1931 in South Bend, Indiana to Armel and Hazel (Hall) Wilder, who preceded him in death. Also preceding was his beloved son Jeffery; a brother; and three sisters. He is survived by his daughters Cindy (John) Laughlin, of Rapid City South Dakota, and Julie (Larry) Gephart of Lansing, Illinois; a daughter-in-law; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a sister. Jerry was a life long South Bend/Mishawaka resident attending schools in the Washington and Clay district, and finished his education in 1949. He participated in many school clubs, groups and was active in sports. Jerry was a familiar friendly face as he worked for different employers including Ball Band, and Commonwealth Insurance Company. He retired in 1996 after nearly 20 years in the automobile business at several area dealerships as salesman, sales manager and financial officer. He received many achievement awards. Being active in many social and fraternal organizations he was most involved as a member of the Mishawaka Fraternal Eagles #2083. There he served as Trustee, bartender and cook, often all at once.