Erna Wilde

Erna Wilde, 90, of Wausau, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2014, at Kindred Healthcare - Colonial Manor.

She was born December 13, 1923, in the town of Johnson to the late Benjamin and Paulina (Krueger) Martin. On May 3, 1952, Erna married Floyd Bigsby in Pine City, MN. He preceded her in death on September 13, 1971. Erna married Wilbert Wilde on November 24, 1974 in Wausau. He preceded her in death on October 18, 2001.

Erna will be remembered for her singing, which was enjoyed by her nurses and family. It was her tradition that she baked on Saturdays, and her family always enjoyed the fruits of her labor. They will especially remember her Christmas cookies. She enjoyed gardening and playing Sheepshead. Erna worked at Bill's Fine Foods and as a caregiver.

Survivors include her daughter, Linda (Benjamin) Maldonado; step-daughters, Dolores (Roger) Rhyner and Lorretta (Jerry) Fuller; brothers, Walter Martin and Edward Martin; sisters, Lydia Schneevise and Hilda LaBelle; 20 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Jeanette (Rich) Hazyquist and Nancy Wilde; and many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her step-sons, James and Jerome Wilde; great-grandson, Nolan Wilde; brothers, Louis, Ewald, Rudolph, Michael, and John Martin; and sisters, Sally Rodman and Olga Powers.

A funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., on Monday, July 7, 2014, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, with Pastor Missy Holdorf of St. Stephens United Church of Christ officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau.

You may sign the family guest book at www.helke.com.