Long-time photography mentor Jesse Joslyn visits with Gordon Wilder at a Duneland Photography Club meeting in February 2024. Gordon had a quick wit and loved to interact with his photography friends. Even in the last month or two (early 2026), Gordon commented on the photography work of other members online. He will be sorely missed.

Duneland Photography Club members Peggy Carter and Steve Bensing came to visit Gordon and see his presentation in December 2022.

Gordon loved to share presentations of his work on a regular basis at the Towne Centre to fellow residents and photo club members.

Gordon was always willing to share memories, ideas, and opinions with his friends from the Duneland Photography Club.

Gordon shared with long-time photography friends Norman Turner and LeAnn Angerman.

Gordon share some of the photography he took on a trip to Washington DC with Norman Turner. He also shared some of the wisdom he learned over the years. A few  Gordon Wilder quotes
include:
“The photography clubs are a
great place to learn! It’s about
the kind of people they are.
There is a spiritual connection
between people. The world of
art is a world of beauty, love,
and poetry.”
“Education is the expansion
of the parameters of your
perspectives.”
“If your picture is judged,
the people who judge are not
judging you, they are judging
the picture. And this too, is a
philosophy of life.”

On the occasion of his 95th birthday, Gordon was honored by the Duneland Photography Club with a cake!

Gordon was able to join the Duneland Photography Club to enjoy the camaraderie of old friends and share some of his photography work and wisdom.

Gordon continued to share with his photo club members over the years. For a time, he would put together slide shows of his photography and shared with others on a monthly basis.

Gordon was a treasured member of the Duneland Photography Club. This photo from 2019 includes other members who came to reminisce and share with him at his residence.

Mr. Wilder made a difference. I knew of him first when he directed the Presbyterian Church choir. My sister (HHS class of 1966) was in that and the high school choir and madrigals. I (HHS class of 1973) was in the high school choir and chamber singers. Being part of concerts, choral festivals, the musical, and community activities, was a big part of my life and continues to have an impact.

I am just one of the many students Mr. Wilder touched over his decades of music teaching.  As I understand it he started at Highland High School the year I was born in 1958.  We met in 1975 or so when I joined the HHS choir and became a member of the Chamber Singers.  

Most of my lasting memories of HHS were around music including the choir concerts, graduation performance, and the 1976 Sound of Music musical production.  Mr. Wilder even asked my best high school buddy (Frank Gilbert) and me to perform for a few small events in Highland.  We played guitars and sang John Denver songs.  Great memories, so fortunate we were to be there at that time. 

I am grateful for our brief time together at HHS and for his support during my formative years.  Walk on, Mr. Wilder, Walk on.

Oh, so many wonderful memories under the direction of this one-of-a-kind man, during my 4 years at Highland High! Whether it was in the Choir, in his operettas & musicals, or privileged to sing in the Highlanders (2 years in a row we won State Titles with perfect scores created by this man), the excitement he created was phenomenal. I know he is now wearing his crown with many jewels placed by his expertise, kindness, empathy, support....!  You KNOW who's now leading the Heavenly Choir. Hope to be under his direction, once again, one day.  
Connie Mitchell Schaller, Class of '69

When I was in auditorium staff at highland high school we built the sets for the musicals and set up the risers for choir and he was so professional and so kind to all of us. It made us all feel like we were part of something special and professional at what we were trying to achieve. Thanx for the memories and rest in peace Mr. Wilder. David Venzke class of 1981.

I grew up in Highland. I went to Highland High School and was in the choir. I also wanted desperately to be in the school musicals but sadly my mother wouldn’t let me. I also sang in the choir at First Presbyterian Church of Highland which means I was blessed to be around Gordon a lot. I call him Gordon because later in life we worked together at Geneva Centre and he told me to please call him Gordon. I have so many happy memories of all the times I got to be around him and work with him. We stayed friends on Facebook. I am devastated he is gone but blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Our hearts are heavy as we remember Mr. Wilder, a beloved music teacher.  I met Mr. Wilder in 1984 when he was my music teacher at Warren Elementary School.
Through every note, song, and lesson, he shared more than music—he shared patience, joy, and encouragement that helped students find their confidence and their voice. His classroom was a place of creativity, warmth, and belonging, and his impact will continue to echo in the hearts of the many children he inspired.
Over the years, my husband and I have had conversations speaking fondly of Mr. Wilder 
May his family find comfort in the memories he helped create and the lasting harmony he brought into so many lives. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

OBITUARY

Gordon Bertis Wilder

February 11, 1929 – April 1, 2026

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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