Douglas L. Wilder

Douglas L. Wilder, age 74, of Loves Park, Illinois passed away on the night of Sunday, May 4, 2025, with family by his side. Doug was born August 16, 1950, in Rockford, Illinois to Glen & Charlotte (Frink) Wilder. He was a cross-country trucker and spent most of his early adulthood on the road. In the spring of 1986, Doug met the love of his life, Jo "Carole" Elkins. They agreed to marry in ten years and kept that promise, taking their vows on October 26, 1996, in Las Vegas. They enjoyed life together and had 35 years of free-spirited adventures that often included camping, long motorcycle rides, fly-fishing, and good times on the pontoon boat. After retirement, Doug was on the road once again-this time helping Carole deliver papers and magazines across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin until her retirement. Doug loved his family dearly, and he had a special place in his heart for dogs and horses. He will be sadly missed and forever remembered by his family and friends.

Doug is survived by his 3 siblings, Sandra (Gene) Onley, Gordon (Luci) Wilder, and Cheryl Wilder; 2 step-daughters, Sherry Lynn (Jonathan) Christian of Rockford, IL and Yolanda Kaye Elkins of Evansville, IN; 6 step-grandchildren, Terry Douglas Elkins, Shawn Michael Broshears, Travis Scott Broshears, Hunter Lee Ashley, Kaitlin Mire Broshears, and Tonya Renee Kirk of Indiana; several extended family members.

He was predeceased by his parents and his wife.

Special thanks to OSF Home Health, OSF Hospice, Sherry Franks, and to his step-son-in-law Jon Christian for being a patient caregiver and a cherished friend to Doug.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, May 15 from 3:30pm until the time of the memorial service at 4pm at Advantage Funeral Home (7000 W. State Street, Rockford, IL 61102). Inurnment to take place at a later date at Sunset Memorial Gardens.