William R. Wildner

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of William Randolph Wildner, affectionately known as Bill, on May 21, 2026. Bill departed peacefully after a courageous battle with dementia, surrounded by the love of his family, who cherished him dearly. Born on July 24, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, Bill was the beloved son of the late Randolph Herman Wildner and Elizabeth When. Bill was a man of many talents and much resilience. He graduated from Berkley High School and bravely served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he embarked on a career as a skilled tradesman, making significant contributions at Develg and Ford before going on to establish his own successful hydraulic repair company. Bill was truly a master of many trades and could fix anything. His hands were never idle, always building and creating, from home additions to intricate remodeling projects. In 1959, Bill married the love of his life, Sally Dorothea Parker. Together, they built a beautiful life over 71 years of marriage. They first settled in Royal Oak, Michigan, before moving to Imlay City, where they embraced the joys of farm life. Their home was filled with the sounds of horses, pigs, and chickens, and the laughter of family and friends. Their garden flourished under Bill's careful attention, and their door was always open to loved ones. Bill was predeceased by his cherished wife, Sally D. Wildner, and his sisters Dorothy (Woody) Ballard, Barbara (Arthur) Santviet, Lillian (Joseph) Carafelli, nephew Woody Ballard Jr., and son-in-law, Randy (Red) Jager. He is survived by his devoted children: Lorraine "Lori" Jager, Randolph "Randy" (Myra), William "Bill" (Colleen), and Jill (Jerry) Cavellier. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren: Myranda (Travis) Watson, Ashley (Chad) Halsted, Jordan Jager, Morgan (Robert) Gardner, Randolph "Randy" Wildner Jr., William Aaron (Amanda) Wildner, Alex (Kaytee) Wildner, Lou, Max, and Sally Ella Cavellier; and great-grandchildren: Parker and Marietta Watson, Celina Gardner, Jackson, Emma, and Ava Halsted, Delaney, William, and Charlotte Wildner, Elias, and Samuel Wildner. Bill is also survived by his loving brothers, Tom and Tim Parker, and numerous nieces and nephews. A man of deep faith, Bill regularly attended church with Sally, finding comfort and community in his beliefs. His life was filled with vibrancy; he was athletic, having played football in his youth, and enjoyed activities like hunting, fishing, boating, cards, and sports. Occasionally, he indulged in gambling and traveling, and he cherished the freedom of riding a motorcycle in his younger years. As he aged, his love for music, dancing, and singing blossomed, bringing joy to those around him. Bill's children would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to family and friends who enriched his life. Special gratitude is given to Lisa Ellout from Hospice of Michigan for her tender care and to Cindy Rocco for bringing the joy of music and concerts to Bill at Bellbrook. In honor of Bill's memory, a private funeral service will be held. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for the disease that took Bill from us too soon. Donations can be made at curealz.org. William R. Wildner's legacy is one of love, strength, and laughter. He was a man who worked hard and played hard, and his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. May he rest in peace, reunited with his beloved Sally, surrounded by the love and peace that defined his life.