John Edgarton Wild was born July 26, 1921 in Butte to Caroline Wharton Wild and Edgar Wild. Both of his parents were Butte natives. John’s grandfather Jesse Wharton had come from Greensborough, N.C. to work for W.A. Clark, the Copper King. Under the auspices of Clark, Jesse Wharton established the Columbia Gardens where John lived with his family for 13 years. John died November 30, 2014 of natural causes. He was 93 years old.
The family moved to Missoula in 1935 so that his older sisters could attend Montana State University. John graduated from Missoula County High School. He enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served as a radio operator aboard two different ships in the Pacific. He served aboard the command ship USS Auburn directing amphibious landing and air cover at many islands including: Taipan, Tinian, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. While he was in the Pacific he saw the marines raise our flag on Hot Rock (Mount Suribachi). When Japan surrendered he was on the ship and observed the peace treaty being signed. He was discharged in 1945, and returned to Montana where he attended Montana State College in Bozeman. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in education, and then went on to receive his Masters of Education degree.
In 1948 he married Muriel Roberts whom he had known all his life. They became acquainted at the Columbia Gardens. When John returned from the Navy he married the only girl he had ever loved. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on September 1st of this year.
John taught school in Bozeman, Saco, and Helena for 36 years. He was a shop and driver’s education teacher in the Helena School District and had over 4,000 students. John was a skilled craftsman building his own home and much of the furniture in it. His shop classes were very popular and many of the projects constructed in class are still being used by former students. Many of his driver education students have commented about their driving experiences and how important his teaching skills were to them. All family, even grandchildren were taught by John to use a manual transmission. John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and neighbor!
John was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Elizabeth Nelson, Jesse Poore, and Pauline Poore.
John is survived by his wife Muriel, son John (Marcia Wild), daughter Robyn (Jon Nickel), and Shelley (Wayne Stewart); six grandchildren- Carrie Wild, Joel and Brian Nickel, Amy Kerpes (Joe), Sarah and Alyssa Stewart.
Private family graveside service will be held. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations made to a charity of donor’s choice in John’s name.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Maureen Oelkers says
Dear Wild Family, Loren and I are so sad for your loss. John was such a great man and so loved by so many in this community. I know your hearts are so heavy but John is in perfect peace now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love you so much, Mo and Loren
Joel Nickel says
Dear, Johnny, Shelley, Robyn and Baba,
I’m very sorry for the loss of Grandpa, he not only was a great person, but a valuable part of my life growing up. We share a lot of common traits, hobbies and common interest. Grandpa truly will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Wild’s.
Sincerely,
Joel
Tom Naegele says
Dear Wild Family,
Prayers of caring support for you all. John, A very fine man, husband, Dad, friend and mentor to many. He is at peace now and we can Celebrate his Wonderful Life. God Bless.
Sincerely,
Tom
Bri And Marlie says
im so sorry for your loss me and marlie will miss him dramaticly, he always had a smile on his face, was the sweetest man I’ve come across, he will be greatly missed.
Jessica says
Dear Johnny, Shelley, Robyn & Baba,
I’m very sorry for the loss of Grandpa. He will be missed tremendously. I truly enjoyed the time I spent with him and will remember our talks about cars fondly. There was never anyone quite like him and there never will be again. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
My sincere condolences,
Jessica
chris raue says
Even though Mr. Wild was only in my life for a short time as a teacher/mentor, he influenced my direction for a life time. His code of ethics, safety, and approach to fabrication and life was top notch. I don’t think he really knew how many young people he influenced in a positive way, as long as you didn’t chew gum in his class!
He would say “Men! You can use me as a job reference if you need to.” So I did. I used Gov.Forrest H. Anderson, Mr Richards (then St. Hywy dept. Head), and John Wild…I got the job!
His influence gave me a direction and helped me graduate high school and go on to a career in fabrication and design.
I have worked with some of the top fabricators and projects and have parts I made in the Smithsonian thanks to him.
Ann Nickel says
Robyn and family,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jerry Crum says
Mr Wild was a great shop teacher i will never forget the lesson he gave us and what a mentor for life ! even in his older years it was great to run in to him in the stores thanks for everything Mr Wild
Diana Graber Tavary says
Robin, Jon, and Shelly
It is so hard to see all these old time Helena people pass on. Your dad was a pillar to me in High School. Not to mention the poor guy was my drivers ed teacher. I just wanted to recognize his importance to this community as an educator. Back when we were in school, teachers were HIGH on totem pole and were very much respected for their efforts. John and I are sorry for your loss. I hope your mom stays well. Blessings on all of you. Di
Paul Jorgensen says
Mr. Wild was my shop teacher at Helena Junior High. I have very fond memories of Mr. Wild and his shop class. He was very encouraging to kids like myself who did not have great shop skills. I went into teaching myself and tried emulate what I learned from Mr. Wild. My dad would write articles for the Helena School District and one of his articles was titled “John Wild Nerves of Steel” Teaching drivers ed did require patience and a positive attitude. Of course being fearless also helps. Sorry for you loss-he will be missed by all that knew him.
HHS Femal Student, Class of "66 says
I didn’t have the pleasure of being taught by Mr. Wild, but he was such a nice person and such a gentlemen. Whenever he was walking down the halls, he would tip his head, smile and quietly say, “Good Morning” I was shy and not very popular, so that always made me feel special.
I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like he left his family with many fond memories to help get you through this difficult time.
Dolan O'Toole says
Dear Wild Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about John. I had Mr. Wild for shop class at Helena High, and he was also my drivers ed instructor. He had a great sense of humor and was so much fun to be around. I always looked forward to going to his classes.
He nicknamed me O’Malley when I was a sophmore, and to this day, some of my friends in Helena still call me that.
Well, here is to you John, you were one of a kind.
Ruzicka family says
Dear Muriel and Family, We will always remember John as a great friend and neighbor. We will miss his presence in our neighborhood, as John was always outside dragging hoses around and working on his yard, keeping it in top notch shape.
I will always treasure the afternoons I spent at your house having an Arnie Palmer in the summer or a cup of tea in winter. John’s stories about working as a high school football referee in Saco, growing up in Butte, the ranch up Mussigbrod, building his house on Winne, WWII and the Navy, MSC, and many more, are stories I will never forget.
Many, many good memories.
John lived a life that mattered and he will be missed.
We send our condolences, Chuck, Vicki, Jacob, and Jesse Ruzicka
David McKeever says
Shelley and the Wild family,
I’m sorry to learn of your loss. Mr. Wild was a wonderful teacher and a tremendous person. He is known as a kind and caring person. He constant smile was contagious to everyone who came in contact with him. Shop class was always one class everyone looked forward to. My words will never truly do justice to describe how wonderful Mr. Wild was as a person. Please accept my condolences and sincere wishes.
David McKeever
Steve Wong says
Sorry to hear of Mr. Wild’s passing. He was my shop teacher and more importantly my driving instructor. In fact, he was the driving instructor for all 6 Wong children! Great memories of a great guy. Condolences to John’s family.
Marcia Wild says
Dear Muriel, John, Robyn, and Shelley,
So sorry for the passing of John. He was a very special person and will be greatly missed. I have so many wonderful memories – many of these involved the yearly trips to Colorado for Carrie’s birthday. These were very special times and I will never forget. I loved his sense of humor and the many stories he had to tell. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Joe and Amy Kirpes says
Its hard to even start to tell how much Grandpa will be missed. Joe and I are so thankful for all the wonderful memories that we have shared with him at our wedding. We are so happy that he was a part of our special day. We will never forget him riding in the bridal car (1974 Mercedes Benz Sedan) back to the reception. Although he wasnt my drivers ed teacher, he still taught me how to drive my manual car in Helena. He was such an important part of my life. Thank you for all the great memories!
jeff sherlock says
Sorry to hear of this; his only fault was that he could never teach me to saw straight; he was a great neighbor back in the 60’s, a great teacher and an even greater dad and husband; best wishes to his family and friends
Robert and Smithe Docktor says
Shelley and Wild family
We are sad for your loss. He was special person and great colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Tom Mulvaney says
I only knew John during his last days when he was in the room next to my mother’s room at Aspen Gardens. We shook hands a couple of times, and even at 93 and toward the end, John’s handshake was firm and friendly. I knew him as a nice man, who had put in many years as a dedicated teacher in Helena, and who was blessed with a wonderful and loving wife, Muriel, whom I visited with almost daily.
I also met his daughters, Robyn and Shelley, and several other family members. I was very impressed with all of them, and their compassion for John.
When I read John’s obituary, I only wish I would have known him years ago. He was a remarkable man who led an extraordinary life–beginning in Butte, his military service, and his many years as a teacher and family man.
John made this world a better place. And he leaves behind a wonderful family
legacy. My condolences and best wishes to the Wild family.
Ruth Nelson Linn says
Uncle John was always known to me as Brother John because my Mom, Elizabeth Nelson, his big sister, doted on the man and would refer to him that way at home. She had good reason; he was as gracious and kind a person as anyone could know. The fact that he was a devoted teacher for so many for so many years lets me envision that he passed a lot of his sincerity forward through those students to the World. We all gained from his knowledge and attitude in life; family and students alike. I know my mother is happy she has him with her again and I am glad I at least was able to see him just that one more time. Love to all.
Susan Near says
Muriel,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Sue
Jeff Kindrick says
Even at 63 it’s hard to think of John as anything but Mr. Wild, he was one of those people whom it just seems natural to treat with respect. The skills I learned in his shop class at Helena Junior High have served me in good stead throughout my life. Just yesterday I was repairing the broken acrylic plastic housing on a piece of electronic equipment and remembering first working with plastic under his tutelage. A life well lived indeed.
You are all in my prayers.