Hilbert “Herb” Armin Wilde, age 83, of New London, was welcomed into God’s tender embrace on February 11, 2018 after strongly battling multiple health conditions for several decades.
Herb was born in his grandfather’s house on July 31, 1934 to the late Erwin and Laverna (Grimm) Wilde in Silo, MN. He grew up in Lewiston, MN, where he graduated from St. John Evangelical Lutheran Grade School and Lewiston High School. After a workout with the St. Louis Cardinals didn’t end with a major league contract, he attended Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Upon graduation in 1956, he received a divine call to teach grades K-8 at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran School in Freedom, WI. He had some help in this one room school from his college sweetheart, Louise Reichert, and the two became one on December 26, 1957 in Prescott, WI. The next year, Herb accepted a call from Emanuel Lutheran School in New London, WI, where he finished his teaching career, along with being athletic director and manager of the book store. Herb sang in the choir and raised four children with Louise. He never lost his love for sports and passed that passion onto his children. When playing was no longer an option for him, he enjoyed watching his favorite teams whenever possible. Herb prided himself by making ingenious repairs and tending to his garden.
Herb is survived by his children, John, Annette, and David (Ellen) Wilde and siblings, Merlin and Dean Wilde. He is further survived by numerous brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Laverna; his wife, Louise and son, Paul.
The memorial service for Herb will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 16, 2018 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London. Rev. William Heiges will be officiating. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be in Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Lebanon. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. The Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com