Deetje J. Wildes

Deetje J. Wildes, of Eau Claire, WI entered her eternal home on November 30, 2023. The former Deetje Lynne Joyce was born on May 5, 1939, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She grew up in Madison, where she attended the University of Wisconsin, graduating with High honors in Mathematics. She married the Reverend Clarence B. Wildes in January, 1960 and served side-by-side with him in many Methodist congregations throughout Wisconsin.

Deetje’s love of music led her to continue her studies in the U.W. system and at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. She especially enjoyed playing viola in her string quartet. Deetje was an aspiring artist who enjoyed painting, drawing, and decorating her home, often using pieces with a Christian or nature theme. She also was a writer, with a number of published poems and other works.  Above all she loved studying the Word of God, and worshiping Christ with her church family. She personified the God-fearing, excellent wife, mother, teacher and friend of Proverbs 31 and those who knew her or whose lives were touched by her rise up and call her blessed.

Deetje was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Tannisse Joyce of Madison, and her husband, Clarence Wildes of Eau Claire. She is survived by two sisters, Julianne Conry of North Vancouver, B.C. and Cynthia Ulevich of Marietta, GA; sons Peter B. Wildes (Janine) of Hudson, WI and Paul T. Wildes (Heidi) of Eau Claire; and grandchildren Lydia (Christian) Schnurpel, Michaela (Scott) Becker, Micah Wildes, and Andrea Wildes.

A service of music and scripture will be held at Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church, 123 W. Hamilton Ave., in Eau Claire on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 11:00am.  Memorials may be given to the Chad Clean Water project at Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church. Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com The family wishes to acknowledge the excellent care given to Deetje in her final days by the teams at Heartland Hospice and Cornerstone Caregiving, and a very special thanks to Brenda Allingham, Deetje’s dedicated caregiver and close friend for over five years.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

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