Helen Ridiger Wilder Beloved wife of late Nelson Budd Wilder. Loving mother of Alan Roger (Jessica) Wilder and Wendy Ann (Michael) Frasheski. Dear grandmother of David and Alan Frasheski. Cherished daughter of the late Albert and Bessie Ridiger. Fondly remembered sister of Joan (Charles) Lively, Lorraine (Richard) Burke, Barbara (David) Gieryn, the late Carol (James) Dorton, and the late Frances Patricia (Harold) Schust. Nurturing, care-giving, and a tireless work ethic were Helen’s most conspicuous and profound character traits along with a vocal musical talent. She was the most reliable and effective assistant to her mother Bessie who herself was a sought-after, maternal authority figure in the community at large. Helen, when she wasn’t singing in the choir of Rogers Park Lutheran Church, encouraged an appreciation of music, taking her younger sisters to operettas and musicals. She also helped at the USO during W.W. II, dancing with servicemen.
After high school, Helen worked for A.C. Nielson Company. Her skill and dedication on the job eventually let to her becoming supervisor to a recent hire, Nelson B. Wilder, who had returned from military service in W.W. II. They later married and subsequently had a son and daughter.
After moving to Mount Prospect, Helen and family became members of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church where she was involved in most of the clubs, activities and events available in the congregation. She was a Sunday school teacher and scouting leader for both of her children. She encouraged participation in the arts and music for her son and daughter. Not only her husband and children but many in need were the object of her attention. Her best friend, a neighbor who was wheelchair-bound with polio, was someone to whom Helen devoted as much time as possible, even when she moved away from that street. And, towards the end of his life, a widowed uncle who hadn’t had children but had doted on Helen and his other nieces like daughters, found her to be his only dedicated caregiver.
Helen R. Wilder will always be remembered by so many as an inspirational maternal figure with a selfless and tireless compassion.
Visitation Friday, January 2nd, 4 PM – 7 PM at Friedrichs Funeral Home 320 W. Central Road at Northwest Hwy, Mt Prospect.
Lying in State Saturday 10:00 AM until services 11:00 AM at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 200 S. Wille Street, Mt. Prospect