Lillian M. Wild

LILLIAN M. WILD

Lillian Wild (nee Snydal born June 5, 1928) fortified by the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church died peacefully on Christmas Day.  Her body having suffered the ravages of old age, simply wore out.  Left to mourn her passing: Lauren (Mary) Wild, Grafton; Richard (Mary) Wild, Edinburg; Linda Dunnigan, Minto; and Father Alexander Wild, Grand Forks; 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and one brother: Doris Kaml, JoAnn Dixon, Gloria Jacobson, and Larry Snydal. 

Lillian grew up in the Gardar area on the family farm.  When she entered First grade, she only spoke Icelandic as did all the other First graders and the teacher only spoke English.  She was an excellent student graduating in 1946.  She had a beautiful soprano voice and sang for many weddings and other occasions.  She entered Mayville State Teacher’s College and began preparation for a teaching career.  When her family moved to Arizona in 1947 for health reasons, Lillian remained behind.  She began teaching in 1947 and helped support her family as they transitioned in Arizona.  She enjoyed teaching and always loved children.  She married LaVern Wild in 1950.  Leaving the teaching field, she became a farm wife and mother.  She was a great cook and baker and loved to entertain family and friends throughout the year.  Lillian loved her family and she was loved in return.

Later in life, Lillian began a second career.  She was employed by CSC credit services retiring in 1994.  Lillian was very generous with her time and talents joining many organizations throughout her life.  Lillian was particularly proud of her involvement with Beginning Experience.  Having benefited so much from the program, Lillian became a Leader and helped many people heal and start a new life.  She was instrumental in organizing and leading Children’s BE.  Working with the children brought her much joy.

She was an active Board Member of Chateau 400 Condo Association serving as Secretary for 20+ years.  Lillian never complained about the thousands of hours she devoted to this task.  Lillian proved particularly adept after the flood of ’97 as the Board dealt with the myriad of issues resulting from the flood.  As the building was evacuated unexpectedly, Lillian went around rousing residents to immediately leave the premises.  Ever quick thinking, Lillian made certain to leave with the fresh gallon of milk she had just purchased and very little else.  She was out of the condo for 3 weeks so the milk did not go to waste.

As her health declined, she accepted the limitations and loss of independence associated with the aging process as a fact of life.  She was happy because she lived to see all her children established and successful in their lives as well as her grandchildren.  Seeing her great-grandchildren was a particular pleasure. She was a wonderful Mother and will be deeply missed by her family.

Visitation extends from 4:00PM to 7:00PM Dec. 30 with a wake service at 7:00PM followed by a traditional Requiem Low Mass on December 31 at 2:00PM in St. Michael’s in Grand Forks.  Burial will take place at a later time.

The family requests no flowers but asks any memorials be directed to Fr. Alexander.