Hubert Joseph Wilde

Hubert Wilde, a veteran of World War II and longtime resident of Wall, Texas, passed away on March 31st surrounded by family. Hubert was born November 6, 1925 in Westphalia, Texas, to Louis and Anna (Hoelscher) Wilde.

He began his education in Westphalia at the Church of the Visitation Catholic School until the family moved to Olfen when he was 12. The family then moved to Wall in early December, 1941, where they had the honor of attending the dedication of St. Ambrose Catholic Church on December 7, the same day as the Pearl Harbor bombing. He graduated from Eola High School before being drafted into basic training. After basic training, he joined the U.S. Army 70th division. As a private, first class for the Army, Hubert saw action in Europe, and he had many amazing stories of his time during the war.

The U.S. Army recognized Hubert for his honorable service with a Purple Heart in 1945. After graduating from Texas Tech, the Army Reserve commissioned him 2nd Lieutenant. Hubert proudly participated in parades with other veterans and was very active in the Purple Heart Chapter.

After the war, Hubert returned home and attended San Angelo College and graduated from Texas Tech University. He married Lorene Michalewicz on November 8, 1950, and enjoyed 68 years of marriage with her. Together, they farmed in Wall, Muleshoe, Dimmitt, and finally back to Wall.

Hubert was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and The Knights of Columbus. He also served on the Wall ISD School Board. His favorite activity in recent years was playing dominoes with his friends.

He is survived by his son David (Pam) Wilde of Brenham, Texas, and daughters Kathy (Les) Gabrysch of Blacksburg, Virginia, and Jeanie (Greg Burdett) Grogan of San Antonio, Texas, as well as eight grandchildren: Adrienne (Steven) Siemsglusz, Deanna (Jason) Schultz, John (Lacey) Gabrysch, Katie (Mike) Link, Emily (Henry) Hilgendorf, Michael (Svetlana) Grogan, Matthew (Samantha) Grogan, and Jessica (Rowdy) Stewart and fifteen great grandchildren: Addison Siemsglusz, Bryce Siemsglusz, Collin Siemsglusz, Dalton Dunfield, Colton Schultz, Tegan Schultz, Brandon Schultz, Joseph Gabrysch, James Link, Nash Link, Oliver Hilgendorf, Leonid Grogan, Stetson Stewart, and Sterling Stewart.

He is also survived by his siblings: Ludwina Buxkemper, Andrew Wilde, Gerald (Linda) Wilde, and Lee Ray (Jean) Wilde; sisters-in-law Shirley Wilde, Evelyn Michalewicz, Annie Halfmann, and Betty Simon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hubert was preceded in death by his wife, Lorene; his son, Daniel; his son-in-law, Joseph Grogan; and his parents and siblings: Monsignor Alvin Wilde, Bernadine Knipp, Lucy Wilde, Louise Michalewicz; sisters-in-law Charlene Wilde, Rose Schulz; brothers-in-law Lee Roy Buxkemper, Bill Knipp, Ernest Michalewicz, Durwood Schulz, James Michalewicz, David Halfmann, and Bob Simon; nieces Lori Simon, Kathy Rose Schulz, Vicki Halfmann; nephew Michael Buxkemper.

The Rosary will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Wall, Texas, on Monday, April 6th, at 10:30 AM to be followed by the funeral mass at 11:00 AM. The burial will follow at St. Ambrose Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service will be his grandsons John Gabrysch, Michael Grogan, Matthew Grogan, and great grandsons Dalton Dunfield, Colton Schultz, Brandon Schultz, Bryce Siemsglusz, and Collin Siemsglusz.

The family requests donations be made to Catholic Outreach.

Family and friends may share their condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com