Russell R Wilder

He was born in Ashfield, MA, on April 25, 1920, to Charles Grant and Sylvia May (Stoodley) Wilder. As a child his family moved to Marlborough then settled in Keene and he attended Keene schools, including Keene High School.

In 1940 he enlisted in the New Hampshire National Guard and that turned into a five year tour with the United States Army. He served 33 months in the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign during World War II, where he was a member of the 2nd Battalion Headquarters Battery 210th CA, and was stationed in New Guinea and later at Fort Drum in NY until his discharge.

After his Honorable Discharge near the end of the War, he returned to Keene where on October 13, 1945 in a ceremony at Saint James Episcopal Church, he married Theresa Marie Beauregard. A recent newspaper article announced their 66th anniversary.

Mr. Wilder worked for over 37 years for what became Holmes Transportation, Inc. in Westminster, VT., a career he started at the age of 14 by delivering milk to local families and continued until his retirement. He built the house that he and his wife lived in for nearly 62 years.

He was a long time member of St. James Episcopal Church and a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Daley Whipple Post # 799, where he often attended to the Graves of fellow veterans. He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters trucking union. When not on the road, he was frequently seen out and about his home; always making sure it was tidy and well kept. Those who knew him knew of his sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Theresa M. Wilder of Keene; a daughter: Joyce Ann Anderson of Las Cruces, NM; a sister: Sylvia May Neal of Mexico, MO, a sister in law: Emily Wilder of Danvers, MA; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by 6 brothers: John, Grant, Robert, Raymond, Richard and Roger, and 4 sisters: June, Edythe, Joyce and Sybil.

A Memorial Service for Mr. Wilder will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 28 at the Fletcher Funeral Home. Calling hours will be an hour before the service. Burial will take place at a later date in the family lot in Woodland Cemetery.

At the request of the family, In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in Mr. Russell Wilders name to St James Episcopal Church, 44 West St, Keene, NH 03431.

Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 33 Marlboro Street, Keene (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com) is in charge of the arrangements.