Marvin D. Wild

Marvin Wild passed away on July 16, 2016 about noon at Clovis Community Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Marvin was 87 and had been suffering from heart and kidney disease for some time.

Marvin was born in Fresno California on October 23, 1928. He was Edwin and Catherine Wild’s second son. In his early years he learned to play the violin and to this day he still had the violin that he had when he was young. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and would get together with his fellow Rough Rider friends each month for lunch. During his senior year he enlisted into the US Army. He then advanced to be a rifleman and then transferred to the 82nd Airborne Division as a rifleman and paratrooper. After returning home from the Army, Marvin attended Fresno State for one year. Marvin met his beloved wife, Betty Abbott while attending Roosevelt High School and they were married on March 19, 1949.

Marvin and Betty had only two homes in their life together and he built both of them himself. It was at their first home that they brought their two children home for the very first time and then in the late 50’s he built their second home and have lived there since.

Marvin Wild has been an electrician and a member of IBEW for over 65 years. Marvin founded Wild Electric out of his garage in the early 70’s. He worked hard and was proud to be able to build Wild Electric into the respected business that it is today.

Marvin was also an apprenticeship teacher for the IBEW’s electricians at Fresno City College for many years.

Marvin was an avid hunter, loved gardening and had a great sense of humor. He loved coaching Little League, and was a 4H leader out of his garage while his kids were young. He also loved playing cards on Friday night with his dear friends. During his later years, he loved being with his family and adored each of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. During the last few years he had also joined the gym and would go to their aqua aerobics class, in which we have heard was more of a social exercise for him.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; Edwin and Catherine Wild, his brother Dale Wild, sister-in-law Phyllis, and his brother-in-law Joe Jacobsen.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty Wild of Fresno, their children; Jan Merlo and husband Fred, Keith Wild and his wife Margaret, grandchildren; Mark Merlo and wife Ashley, Beth Merlo, Rick Merlo and wife Adrienne, Curt Merlo and wife Rita, Kevin Wild, and Julie Wild. Marvin also leaves behind his great-grandchildren Caiden, Sophie and Ellis, and his sister-in-law Luvena Jacobsen; and nephews Joe, Mike and Bob Jacobsen.

A special thank you to the staff at Clovis Community Emergency Room nurse Christina, Intensive Care Nurses Nick, Danielle, Emily and Scott and his doctors Dr. Gen and Dr. Atwal.

Visitation will be held at Boice Funeral Home on Friday, July 22, 2016 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at New Hope Community Church on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.

Remembrances may be sent to Kidney Foundation of Central California P.O. Box 5651, Fresno, CA 93755 or American Heart Association 7425 N. Palms Bluffs Ave #101, Fresno, CA 93650