Thomas Anthony Wilde was born on June 4, 1926 to the late Alan and Mary Ella (Petri) Wilde in Oconto, Wisconsin. Tom was baptized and later confirmed at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Oconto, Wisconsin. He received his education from the St. Joseph Grade School and Oconto High School where he graduated in the Class of 1944.

On May 31, 1952, Tom was united in marriage to Mary Ann Wolff in Lakefield, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with five children, Cindy, Kathryn, Caroyle, Ron, and Tommy. After their marriage, Tom and Mary Ann continued living in Lakefield. Tom worked for TORO as a sub assembly lead person for 35 years.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, woodworking, watching the Packers and NASCAR, but most of all loved spending as much time as he could with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tom passed away on Tuesday morning, December 16, 2008 at the Windom Area Hospital with his family by his side at the age of 82.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Ann, of Windom; five children, Cindy Gottsche and her husband, Virgil, of Jackson; Kathryn Davis and her husband, James, of Gowrie, IA; Caroyle Wilson and her husband, Paul, of Windom; Ron Wilde and his wife, Sandy, of Luverne; and Tommy Wilde and his wife, Mara, of Windom; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one sister, LaVerne Heimbuck, of Marinette, WI; four brothers, Gerard Wilde and his wife, Marion, of Marinette, WI; Edward Wilde and his wife, Margaret, of Oconto, WI; Patrick Wilde and his wife, Kate, of Peshtigo, WI; James Wilde of Oconto, WI; and many other relatives.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ellsworth Wilde; one sister, Ida Mae Darr; and two infant siblings.

Blessed be the memory of Thomas Wilde.