Ralph Wilder Obituary

I remember one day I ran late at school and I missed the bus home.
Mr Wilder was still in the band room so I asked him for a ride home.
He said yes, and he wanted to show me his new `76 or `77 Red Monte Carlo. He got a kick out of showing me how the seats would swivel sideways to get in easier.
He threw in an 8-track and tore out of the Prospect High School parking lot. I never made it home that fast from school before. It was so cool. I´ll never forget that.

I remember Ralph as my Prospect HS Band Director freshman year, 1976-77. He was energetic, and had us learning multiple marching band shows during the season, including pre-game and post-game shows. He was a character, and had a passion for music. Am so sorry to learn of his passing.

I remember visiting Ralph and Lois while they were in the midst of designing and showing off outrageous clothing! We [Margaret and I] had to join in and try various outfits - what a hoot!

Ralph was a force of nature. I always felt connected and valued with him. A year after his passing, hardly a day goes by without a memory, an image or something he was in the habit of saying springing to mind.

Dear Jeff, Debra and Families, We are very sorry to hear of Ralph´s Passing. Ralph and Lois lived next door to us in Glenview on Wilmette Ave for 11 or so years. They were great neighbors and always so happy. I know your memories will help with the healing process. The service and speeches yesterday were SPECIAL.

Amazing send off for Ralph Wilder, z"l. Music, baseball, family, friends, colleagues and music. Lots and lots of beautiful and freilach music. May his memory be forever a blessing as the melody lingers on for generations to come.

Mr. Wilder was my mentor, my friend, and was my surrogate dad when my dad passed away when I was 17. My years studying under him at Prospect High School led me to a career in music, and I think of him every day of my life. I will miss my friend.

My sincere condolences to the Wilder family. I was a member of the Prospect Marching Knights and various bands led by Ralph in the mid-'70s. We achieved some great things under Ralph's leadership. God bless.

Ralph and I were near classmates at Northwestern. Years after graduation,
I returned to the Chicago area and played with Ralph's dance band for years... A teaching job in Thailand took me away until shortly before his accident. I am thinking of him, of Jeff and Debbie, and also of his second wife Lois, who was a great and positive factor in his later life. He will be greatly missed, by friends, colleagues and co-workers.

Ralph was a kind and caring person. I will never forget his friendliness and exuberance. He loved music, life, and people. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family.

I had just started horn lessons at 45 years old. Joined the Mt. Prospect band. Best band ever... a tough director who made me a better musician... and had us in Italy and France with the band. What a guy! A great loss.

Ralph made our wedding day extra special way back in 1989 with The Ralph Wilder Orchestra...our condolences to his family..Rest well Ralph

Dear family .....So very sorry to learn of Ralph´s passing....we worked together for many years.... He was a stellar and talented orchestra leader and musician....but always a kind gentleman....I will always remember him with fondness.....he will be greatly missed

To the family of Ralph Wilder, we wish you peace and fond memories of a life well lived. Our last performance together was at North Park College, October 5th, 2020...appropriately called, "Memories of You". Rest well our friend.