Gary M Wilde

Gary M Wilde, 69, of Lewisville, ID, fell ill while checking off his bucket list in Alaska. He returned to the comfort of his home, family, and friends, passing away on August 7, 2024.

Gary was born in Rigby, Idaho, July 5, 1955, to Herbert Myron Wilde and Darlene Simmons Wilde. The family lived in Roberts at the time until moving to Iona, while Gary was still a toddler. He grew up there making lifelong friendships. He enjoyed spending time with his big brother, Cecil, and little sister, Sheila. He became a bit of a hell-raiser, but you couldn't help but love him. Gary was having his best time when he was teasing someone.

While still a teenager he married Julie Nield. Soon after, a beautiful baby girl named April Kae was born. Julie's father got Gary into the masonry business so he could support his new little family. At a young age, April was diagnosed with leukemia. They spent a lot of time traveling to see doctors. Gary would often relive the pain he felt at being unable to ease his daughter's pain. April Kae passed away before the age of 8, and by then Gary and Julie had divorced.

Gary then married Lana Jackson in 1982. They lived in the Portland, Oregon area, where he laid brick until following work opportunities to the Dallas, Texas area, where their son, Tyler Ray was born. He was the apple of Gary's eye. He loved playing with Tyler and showing him off to the guys on the job. Gary became a top-rated foreman and managed large crews on many high-rise buildings taking great pride in his work. Gary said he would go when the company opened a division in Virginia, near Washington D.C., where their daughter, Brittani Dawn was born. She was daddy's little princess.

In 1990, they decided they didn't want to raise their children in the big city lifestyle relocating back to Idaho, where Gary went to work for Pete Mickelson and Sons Masonry. In 1995 they moved to their present home in Lewisville.

When the body aches and stress became too hard on him, Gary got out of bricklaying and drove a truck for P.S.I. for many years. Retiring in name only, he worked part-time for Simplot and the City of Lewisville Maintenance until his full-time job became caring for his yard and having fun.

A man of many hobbies, Gary enjoyed hunting, camping, boating, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, fishing, golfing, and TEASING. Finally getting to be a "Papa" was his best hobby ever. He loved spending time with his two grandbabies.

Gary is survived by his wife, Lana of Lewisville; his son, Tyler Ray Wilde of Idaho Falls; his daughter, Brittani Wilde of Williston, ND; granddaughter, Kynlee Dawn; grandson, Callan Thomas; brother, Cecil (Nancy) Wilde of Rigby; sister, Sheila Duffield of Coos Bay, OR; and his loyal dog, Shep.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, April Kae.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue in Idaho Falls. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Market Lake Cemetery in Roberts. There will be an open mic at the service, so please bring a short story to share of Gary.