Ross R. Wilder

Ross Roy Wilder, 79, of rural Mankato, died Thursday, March 19, 2020.

A Service will be held at a later date to be announced. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Ross was born February 15, 1941 to Fayette and Evelyn M. (Davey) Wilder in Mankato. He graduated from St. Clair High School in 1959. Ross served his country with the U.S. Army as a combat engineer and was stationed in Germany and Vietnam. Ross married Teresa Stevens in 1982 and they had two children. They later divorced. He married Cynthia A. Feenstra in 1993. Ross was a crop farmer and also a 25 years Deputy Sheriff for Blue Earth County before retiring. Ross was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, VFW Post 950, and the NRA. He enjoyed being an outdoorsman, cutting wood, playing shuffle board and cards. Ross was always good for a story and a joke. His greatest joys came from helping his neighbors. Ross was hard working and always provided for his family.

Ross is survived by his wife, Cindy; two children, Melissa (Sam) Phelps of rural Mankato, Michael Wilder of Mankato; step-daughter, Margaret (Brown) Avera of Atlanta, GA; five grandchildren, Crystal, Ben, and Mary Blackwell, Jack and Liam Avera; mother, Evelyn Wilder of Mankato; brother, Rick (Judy) Wilder of Mankato and their children; many cousins.

Ross was preceded in death by his father.