Lewis James Wilder, age 84, of Hastings, went to see the Lord God Almighty on March 7, 2024. He was born on September 14, 1939, in Rochester, MN to Louis and Violet (Schuchard) Wilder. Lew graduated from Rochester High School and shared 64 years of marriage with Carole (Vrieze) Wilder.
Renowned for his skills, Lew dedicated his career to baking, with his personal recipes for Cheesy Breadsticks and Wild Rice Onion Bread becoming town favorites. His time at Emily’s Bakery in Hastings was marked by warmth and hospitality.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Lew found joy in tending his vegetable garden; raising zillions of tomato plants, sharing, selling and donating them every spring. He was a founding member of both Hastings Garden Club and the Red Star Investment Club.
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease over 17 years ago, he embraced exercise as his “part-time job” at Hastings YMCA, where he formed lasting friendships and earned the esteemed title of Member of the Month.
Remembered for his gentle spirit, kind soul, and dry sense of humor, Lew will forever hold a special place in the hearts of his family and friends, including his wife, Carole, brother, John, children, Patti (Ryan) Garrick, Brenda Wilder (Ivo Lopez), Mike Wilder (Jenni Gerken), grandchildren, Jennifer (Adam) Shaleen, Megan (Mike) Wojcik, Matt (Ariana) Garrick, Nathaniel Lopez, Chris Lopez, great-grandchildren, Rae, Sydney, Lucy, Juniper, Nico, RyAnn, Gatlin, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, and by his siblings, Kenneth, Darlene Foster, Dennis, and Gerald.
Funeral services to celebrate Lew’s life were held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Resurrection United Methodist Church, 615 15th St W, Hastings, MN, with a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Lunch will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lew’s honor may be directed to the Hastings YMCA or Hastings Senior Center, organizations that held significant meaning in his life.
Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is handling the funeral arrangement.
