Bruce Arthur Wilder

Bruce Arthur Wilder, of Morrisville, VT went home to heaven in the arms of Jesus as he slept on March 7th, 2025.  A memorial service honoring Bruce’s life is being held at 2 pm on April 5th at the Elmore United Methodist Church in Lake Elmore, VT.  

Bruce was born in Amesbury, MA on December 14th, 1936 to Edwin and Eleanor (Moynihan) Wilder.  In his youth he worked hard on the (Sterling, MA) family dairy farm, rising early to milk the cows before attending school.  He graduated from Leominster High School in 1954, and was known as one of the “Big Four”, along with his three close lifelong friends, John Flanagan, Craig Stuart, and Roy Dahlstrom.  

Following high school he enrolled at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and completed two years of undergraduate study there, while also teaching a science class at a small local middle school.  This early introduction to teaching would play a significant role in the rest of his life.  However, the most significant change in his life also occurred at this time, when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, becoming a Christian.  He completed his final two years of undergraduate education at Bob Jones University, graduating in 1959 with a degree in chemistry, while concurrently teaching a physics class at the Bob Jones High School. He later continued his education with a Master’s Degree in mathematics from St. Michael’s College, as well as advanced studies at Tufts University and the University of Vermont.

At Bob Jones University he was reunited with a high school friend, Kathy Mahler.  Their relationship grew from friendship to love, and they were married on June 25th, 1960.  Together they would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this year.  Their married life began in Michigan, where Bruce taught at a Baptist High School.  From there they moved to Vermont, a state Bruce dearly loved and would call home for the rest of his life.  Bruce continued his teaching career at Lamoille Central Academy (LCA), Peoples Academy, and Lamoille Union High School.  He also served as a teacher and tutor for students at Stowe’s Ski and Girls’ Hockey academies.  Throughout his career, Bruce had a significant impact in the lives of thousands of students, including (quietly) co-signing loans for students who needed it to go to college.

Once in Vermont the young family grew to include four sons and a daughter.  They settled into a house on Howard Street in Morrisville, where Bruce employed his construction skills to build a loft addition to accommodate the burgeoning family.

Being of service was vitally important to Bruce.  When a career in the Air Force was ruled out due to a health issue, Bruce turned his focus for service in another direction.  An accomplished pilot, Bruce joined the ranks of the Vermont Wing of the Civil Air Patrol.  As a pilot he participated in many search and rescue missions, eventually being promoted to the rank of Major.  Bruce frequently served as “Mission Coordinator”, and was very proud of his service to this organization.  His pilot skills were also employed by the Vermont State Police, helping them in various special operations. A man of many talents, along with teaching he worked on crews rigging dynamite as part of the demolition for construction of the northmost leg of Interstate 89 from Vermont into Canada, and doing the electrical wiring for Copley Hospital Office Building, as well as running his own garage door installation and maintenance service.  As a trustee for many years at the Elmore Methodist Church, he vigilantly maintained the sound system.  He loved to sing and his beautiful bass voice added depth to many choirs and lulled many grandchildren to sleep.  He and Kathy also served as drivers for the Meals on Wheels of Lamoille County, and were recognized with an award for their 13 years of service.

In retirement, Bruce and Kathy travelled extensively, visiting 44 states and many countries.  However, Bruce’s favorite destinations were places where his family was.  From the family camp in Greensboro to celebrations of major holidays on Howard Street and at the various homes of his children, Bruce was never happier than when with his family.  He adored his grandchildren, and lovingly known as “Bumpa” or “Bumpy”, was equally adored by them.  He served as a “phone-a-friend” to nearly all of them at one point or another as they worked their way through various school classes involving math or physics.

He will be fondly remembered for his love of John Deere tractors, Volkswagens (specifically diesel Rabbits and Jettas), his unerring sense of direction, his attention to the weather, and as man who loved hearing and telling stories, clever turns of phrase, and truly awful puns.

Bruce was predeceased by his parents and sister Libby, and is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Suzanne, his children and their spouses; Peter and Lynda Wilder, Eric and Eileen Wilder, Daniel Wilder, Kristin and Chris Goodall, Paul and Garland Wilder, and eight grandchildren and their spouses.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that contributions in Bruce’s memory be made to the Meals on Wheels of Lamoille County, extending his lifelong commitment to serve those around him and to Lamoille Home Health & Hospice whose team was so generous and kind to Bruce.

Meals on Wheels of Lamoille County @ https://www.mowlc.org/

Lamoille Home Health and Hospice @ https://www.lhha.org/

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