Llewellyn Oliver Wilder

Llewellyn Oliver Wilder, Jr. (Lew), 96, hiked the “quiet trail” from his earthly home to his heavenly home March 22, 2024.

Lew was born March 2, 1928 to Llewellyn Oliver Wilder, Sr. and Lena Cleveland in Orleans, California. He married Lois Durfee June 9, 1956 in Eureka, California.   Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in 1962.  He had a full and interesting life that filled the pages of his Magnum Opus (personal history), which his family often joked would rival Tolstoy’s epic tale “War and Peace”.  He was an Army veteran serving during the Korean War in Communications.  He worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller until his retirement in 1985.  In 1988 he was appointed the Justice of the Peace – Grantsville City where he was known as the “Marrying Judge” and executed that office until released in 1996.  He was a convert to the LDS church and held many leadership positions including Bishop of the Grantsville 1st ward, High Councilman (thrice) and Ordinance Worker at the Salt Lake Temple.  He loved hiking and spending time admiring “God’s Handiwork” anywhere, but especially in his beloved “Forever Wilderness” of Northern California.  He was preceded in death by his parents (Lew and Lena), his sisters (Joann and Constance), his beloved wife Lois Durfee (Grantsville Utah) and son Kenneth Andrew Wilder.  He is survived by his daughters Mary and Ramona Wilder of Grantsville, Daughter-in law Beverly (Kenneth), grandchildren Courtney (Brandon) Norman, Wyatt (Claire) Wilder and Martina Wilder of St. Anthony, Idaho and Great grandchildren Parker, Payton, Kenslee, Clayton and Lily of Idaho.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the LDS chapel, 428 South Hale Street, Grantsville.  Viewing will be held an hour prior to the service.  Interment will be in the Grantsville City Cemetery.