Dale H. Wildman

In Loving Memory of Dale Hobert Wildman

Dale Hobert Wildman, age 85, of Maple Grove, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 1st, at the family cabin—one of his favorite places on earth. He was with his beloved bride of 59 years, Sharon.

Born on August 14, 1939, in Burtrum, MN to Hobert and Emily (Berg) Wildman, Dale joined siblings Shirley, Gerald, and Marlys to complete the Wildman family. Just after his first birthday, Dale was placed in the loving care of George and Judith (Berg) Otterdahl so Emily could undergo oncology treatment and Hobert could manage the farm. Raised alongside their daughter Elaine, Dale spent 15 formative years with the Otterdahls in Pine River, Longville, Little Sauk, and Pine City. He was an outdoor-loving boy who fished, hunted, played sports, and thrived in Boy Scouts. From a young age, Dale loved Jesus and followed Him throughout his life.

At age 16, following his father's heart attack, Dale returned to the family farm in Swanville to lend a hand. He graduated from Swanville High School in 1957, where he was a four-sport athlete and active in theater, chorus, speech team, the school newspaper, and student leadership. One song, “Class of ’57” by The Statler Brothers, remained a lifelong favorite.

After graduation, Dale joined the Army, serving in the U.S. and Germany until his honorable discharge in March 1961. He began working for an architectural firm before accepting a position with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, where he thrived in Facilities Management. Fondly nicknamed “The Wild Man,” Dale worked there for over 38 years, building lifelong friendships.

In 1964, he met Sharon—a farm girl from Wood Lake, MN—who had moved to Minneapolis to pursue her dreams. Dale convinced her that life together was the dream worth chasing, and on May 28, 1966, she said yes! They built a life in the Twin Cities, welcoming daughters Vickie and Jennifer, forming the unforgettable “Wildman Party of Four.”

The family settled in Brooklyn Park, with Dale coaching his daughters in flag football and softball, bowling, camping, volunteering at Bibles for Missions- now Legacy Thrift, and serving on the church leadership council. Cherished memories were created fishing, hunting, boating, and teaching countless individuals to waterski at the cabin on Lake Vermont. Dale valued people and worked to make sure they saw that within themselves. He also made sure to celebrate every success with a trip to the Dairy Queen!

Upon retirement, Dale and Sharon traveled to visit their children and grandchildren, enjoyed adventures with close friends, wintered along the Gulf Coast, and remained active in their church and community in Maple Grove. Dale had a gift for connection. With a twinkle in his eye and a well-timed quip, he made everyone feel seen, heard, and appreciated. No one felt this more deeply than his family. Sharon, Vickie, and Jennifer were his girls—and he loved them fiercely.

His sons-in-law earned his admiration, respect, and joined him on golf outings and fishing trips to Canada. When his grandchildren arrived, Dale’s heart expanded even more. Whether hosting “Cabin Camp,” appearing in countless drawings and paintings, or attending performances and games, Dale celebrated his loved ones with joy and presence.

When Dale was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, he approached the challenge with grace and determination. He made the most of everyday and turned an anticipated five ‘good years’ into a decade of great years. He prioritized family, friends, and his bride- who cared for him each step of the way.

Dale is survived by his wife Sharon (Grieger) Wildman; daughters Vickie (Todd) Hedgepeth and Jennifer (Kyle) Strickland; grandchildren Jackson, Ashley, and Gabi Hedgepeth, and Zachary, Scout, and Maxwell Strickland; his sisters Marlys (Wildman) Frank and Elaine (Otterdahl) Olofson; siblings Jim Skinner, Margaret (Skinner) Fletcher, Wayne Skinner, and Cheryl (Skinner) Lambrecht; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley (Wildman) Nielson, and brother Gerald Wildman.

A visitation will be held on Dale’s birthday, Thursday, August 14, from 5–7 p.m. at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel, 15800 37th Avenue North, Plymouth. A memorial service will take place on Friday, August 15, at 11 a.m. at Maple Ridge Church,13400 Maple Knoll Way, Maple Grove, MN, with an additional visitation one hour prior to service.

Memorials preferred.