Maxine (Dunham) Wilder

Maxine Wilder, age 98, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Eastside Health & Rehabilitation Center in Pittsfield.

She was born on July 8, 1925, to Earl and Eva (Reinhardt) Dunham. On February 14 (Valentine's Day), 1945, she married Gene Wilder. After graduation from Pittsfield Community High School in 1943, she worked for the Pike County Service Co., the Office of Price Administration and retired from the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) in 1982 after 36 years of service.  In addition, she was very proud of her 32 years of serving as a volunteer at Illini Community Hospital. She attended the Pittsfield United Methodist Church for 64 years where she became a member in 1940. She was a member of the Madonna Fellowship and helped with many dinners and events at the church.

Survivors include her son, Gary (Debby) Wilder and daughter, Linda (Tim) Belford both of Pittsfield. Five grandchildren -- Kerri (Mike) Spies of Highland, IL; Brandi (Jamie) Pennock of Pittsfield; Laura (Brian) Kruger of Bloomington, IL; Brandon (Carrie) Belford of Highland, IL; and Brooke (Dan) Haynes of Brentwood, MO, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Maxine loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals and attended nearly every ball game, dance recital and any other event that her grandchildren participated in.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Harold Dunham; a sister, Pauline Griffeth; and her husband of nearly 69 years, Gene Wilder.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM, Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with visitation held prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Interment will follow the service at West Cemetery in Pittsfield, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to either the Pittsfield United Methodist Church or the Pittsfield West Cemetery. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maxine (Dunham) Wilder, please visit our floral store.