William James Wildern, III

William James Wildern, III, of Farmington Hills, Mich., died on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at the University of Michigan Hospital.  He was born January 11, 1936, in Detroit to William James and Catherine Adelphine (McDace) Wildern, Jr.  He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1964. He was married to Linda Kay Cooper and was employed by Hillsdale College.  Bill was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. He enjoyed golfing, reading, teaching, trivia, cribbage, conservative principles, and philanthropic development for Hillsdale College and Henry Ford Hospital. An avid road warrior, Bill drove over three million miles, visited all seven continents and all 50 states.

In addition to his wife, Linda Kay, he is survived by two sons, William James (Nicole) Wildern, IV and John Michael (Laura) Wildern; four daughters, Mary “Molly” Margaret Reid, Eileen Elizabeth Wildern, Melanie Marie (Joseph) Gerzema, and Erinn Elizabeth (Nick) Hess; two sisters, Therese Margaret (William) Miller and Catherine Ann (Danne) Jewell; 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Catherine (David) Sonsmith.

Visitation was held at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh, Mich., on Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. with a Vigil Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m., and also on Friday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. 

The Funeral Liturgy was offered on Friday, June 10, 2016, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church with Fr. Dan Wheeler officiating. Burial was in Battle Creek Memorial Park, Battle Creek, Mich., on Friday at 3:30 p.m.  

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hillsdale College Wildern Family Endowed Scholarship.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian.

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