Dr. Jerard “Jerry” DeWitt Wilder of Visalia California, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle went to be with the Lord on January 2, 2019 surrounded by family and friends.
Dr. Wilder was born February 20, 1931 in Exeter California to parents Glenn and Helen Wilder. The family moved to Visalia, California where Jerry graduated from Visalia Union High School in 1949. He then went on to attend College of the Sequoias from 1949 – 1950 after which he joined the US Navy, where he spent four years on the oil tanker USS Chemung earning a certificate of dental instruction in the United States Navy.
After his honorable discharge, he spent two years at Fresno State University for his pre-dental certificate. He was then accepted to the University Of Southern California School Of Dentistry where he graduated with a degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1960.
Dr. Wilder was proceeded in his death by his parents and his sister, Glenna Darlene Boney. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Wilma Florence Wilder; three sons, Darion, Mark, and Kurtis Wilder of Visalia, California; daughter, Denise Price of Sugar Land, Texas; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, DeAnn Thomas and Dani Anders; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Dr. Wilder was a devoted dentist to all of his patients, and worked in the dentistry field for 42 years, he was also involved as a trustee in the American Dental Association for five years. During the late 1970’s he indulged in the motorcycle business, purchasing the Visalia Suzuki Center, where he supported his three sons in TT, Scramble, Flat Track and Motocross, traveling in and out of state to pursue their dreams, he was also passionate about Nascar racing and never missed watching a Sunday race. He was very fit and healthy, beginning in his early days in the Navy into his 80's. He was an avid body builder, this was one of his passions, working out multiple times a week at the gym, always keeping up on his physic and his health.
Dr. Wilder will mostly be remembered by his infectious smile, soft naturedness, and funny wit. He had many lifelong friends who he and Wilma traveled with over the years, going to the annual Dental Conventions and many cruises, as far east as the Mediterranean Sea, and South to the Panama Canal. He enjoyed these times with friends as cherished gifts that will forever be in his heart.
Dr. Wilder, alongside his longtime friend John Trask, planned many Visalia Union High School class of “49” reunions throughout the years. The fun they had reminiscing of the early high school days he will forever treasure.
In April, Dr. Wilder and his son, Mark, were privileged to be selected to go on the Honor Flight to Washington DC, in honor of the United States Veterans, a journey he was blessed to go on.
The Family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all the Doctors, Nurses, Caregivers, and many Friends for the love and care during this time.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 10, 2019, at the Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 West Goshen Ave. Visalia CA 93291.
Condolences and tributes may be offered at www.millerchapel.com.
