Wilbur H. Wildfong

Wilbur H. Wildfong, age 95 of Curran, Michigan, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Monday, October 19, 2015.
Wilbur was born in Bay Port, Michigan on September 11, 1920 to Eli and Luella (Wilfong) Wildfong. He worked three tours with the CCC’s and he served his country in the US Army during WWII.  He was wounded in the war, and was awarded The Purple Heart.  His tour included the Battle of the Bulge and the battle in the Ardennes Forest. When he returned home, Wilbur continued to be active in the community he loved.  He had owned and operated Bill’s Small Engine in Curran; farmed his own land; and was a caretaker of several hunting camps in the area.  He was instrumental in the establishment of the Mitchell Township Fire Station in Curran, and organized the BINGO there to support it.  Wilbur served as Mitchell Township Clerk for 34 years and also was a member of Mitchell Township Citizen’s Watch. He was a life member of the DAV; and also a member of Alpena VFW #2496, the Alpena Moose Lodge, and the Alpena and Mio Masonic Lodges. Wilbur’s hobbies included: hunting, fishing, music, playing the guitar, reading, gardening, and building bird houses.
Wilbur is survived by his wife Betty of Curran; his daughter Connie (Terry) Brilinski, his sons Wilbur D. (Anna) Wildfong, and Eli (Patricia) Wildfong; 9 grandchildren:  Barbara (Jeff), Leslie, Lori (Joel), Kimberly (Jeff), Natalie (Marc), Heidi (Tom), Angela, Leah, and Holli (Tim); 31 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters: Hazel Wildfong and Muriel (Lloyd) Fredrick, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by special friends:  Kim & Sherri Zinker & family and Kurt & Genevieve Reynolds & family; and caregivers:  Theresa, Pat, Darlene, Cindy & Kathy.  Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Bradley Brilinski, 3 brothers and 1 sister.
Visitation on Thursday, October 22, 2015 from 1-4 PM and from 6-9 PM with a Masonic Service offered by The Mio Masonic Lodge #596, at 7 PM,  at the Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI. Visitation and again on Friday, October 23, 2015 from 10 AM until Funeral Services at 11 AM with Pastor Brenda Klacking officiating. Interment will follow at Flynn Valley Cemetery, Curran, MI, with Military Honors offered by VFW Post # 2496 of Alpena.
Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice.
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI.