Robert (“Bob”) Lee Wild

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you” -Numbers 6:24-25

On the evening of Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Robert (“Bob”) Lee Wild was welcomed into the arms of angels in Heaven, surrounded by his family, at Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac.

Bob was born on August 27, 1948, to Francis “Franny” and Lenore M. (Schraufnagel) Wild. He was the first of six children born to Franny and Lenore and spent his childhood growing up in the home Franny built in the Village of Kekoskee. He graduated from Mayville High School in 1966 and went on to proudly serve his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army. 

In April 1968, at the age of 19, Bob was deployed to Vietnam. He was part of the 4th and 5th Battalions, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade. Bob’s brigade traveled in small groups, spent most of their time in the jungle and away from base. During this time, he developed close comradery with his fellow soldiers and mourned friends lost in battle. 

It was in Vietnam where he wrote the following prayer and recited it each day until his death: “Father, thank you for my life. Be with me on this day. If it be your will, let me join you in heaven this day.” Amid turmoil and suffering, Bob found solace reciting this prayer, signifying his trust in God and the belief that because of his faith, in the end everything would be fine.

His military service was a source of great pride and reflected his dedication and commitment to his country.

After his service in Vietnam, he returned home and on May 9, 1970, at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Leroy, Bob married Audrey Wondra, whom he proudly exclaimed was “the love of his life.” Together, Bob and Audrey raised their four children in the home they made and loved along the Horicon Marsh.

For most of his career, Bob was employed as a meat cutter with Leroy Locker of Leroy in Leroy and later with Brandon Meats in Brandon. Toward the end of Bob’s professional career, he joined Mayville Engineering Corp. (MEC) working in the Aerial Platform Division and lastly at Gleason Reel in Mayville. 

Bob enjoyed nature and all of God’s blessings. He would spend as much time as he could outdoors. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, gardening and wine making, sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends.

Above all, Bob’s greatest pride and joy were his four children and five grandchildren. They were the highlights of his life, and he cherished every opportunity to spend time with them and watch them grow. He and Audrey enjoyed time at their cabin on Fourth Lake on Moen Chain of Lakes in Rhinelander, where they spent time on the lake entertaining family and friends. Bob especially loved visiting his daughters and their families in Florida, where he would spend hours walking on the beach in search of shark teeth and admiring the sea.  

Bob is survived by his loving wife Audrey of Mayville, with whom he shared more than 56 years of love and happiness; his children: Brian (Melissa) Wild of Rhinelander; Jennifer (Timothy) Stellmacher of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; Melissa (James) Bachhuber of St. John’s, Fla.; and Bradley (Sondra Knapcik) Wild of Eau Claire; grandchildren: Trent Wild, Logan Wild, Cole Stellmacher, Reese Stellmacher and Juliet Bachhuber; his siblings: Nancy (Bill) Ohrmund, Dale (Rose) Wild, Wesley (Rose) Wild, and James Wild; sister-in-law Renate Schaetzel, siblings in law: Mary Jane Ratzburg, Roger (Mary) Wondra; Allen (Debra) Wondra and Steve Wondra, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Lenore Wild; brother, Dennis Wild; nephew, Mark Wild; parents in law, Raymond and Alice Wondra; sister-in-law, Nancy Wondra and brother-in-law, Robert Ratzburg.

A visitation will be held at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Leroy on Friday August 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at noon which will be officiated by Father Mark Brandl. Interment will follow at St. Andrew’s Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Mayville American Legion Post 69. A luncheon and time of fellowship will immediately follow at The Meating Place in Mayville. 

Bob’s big heart, warm smile and steadfast love for his family and friends will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and spending time with him.

Koepsell Funeral Home is serving the family. www.Koepsellfh.com.

“And He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be Still’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” -Mark 4:39