Gilbert J. Rider, 89, Burlington, died quietly on Feb. 1, 2015, at Burlington Rehabilitation & Care Center.
He was born in Mauston, on Dec. 24, 1925, to the late Louis and Mary (Borcykowski) Rider. He spent his early life in Mauston where he attended school.
After his first wife, Evelyn, died, he met Wilma, who had also lost her spouse. On Oct. 6, 1990, they were married, joining their two families.
He ran his own grocery store and butcher shop and later was assistant manager at Tri-City Supermarket in Oak Creek until his retirement. He loved to play baseball in his younger years, as well as golf and bowl. Even after his own participation ended, his enthusiasm and interest in sports never wavered. He also had a great love of music, and his family grew up with it, often walking in on him humming or singing a tune. Though busy supporting his family and lovingly caring for an invalid mother-in-law, he always had time to be playful with his children and friends.
He was also known for his deep faith, sharing his time and talents as a member of the Sierra Club and being an altar server at the weekday Masses at St. Mary’s in Burlington. His generosity and care went beyond that into the community where he also volunteered at Burlington Hospital for many years. He also readily donated to many causes. He truly had a giving heart.
Survivors include his wife, Wilma Kuhn Rider; children, Cathy (Rick) Kender, Marsha (Pat) Hastings, Joseph (Jeff Munoz) Rider, Jane (Joe) Pervisky, Lori (Tim) Arnoldussen, Lynda (John) Ludwig; grandchildren, Dan (Kelley) Kender, Matt Kender, Eric (Amanda) Hastings, Brian (Natasha) Hastings, Keith (Angie) Hastings, Nick Pervisky, Kristin (Eric) Destrampe, Kari (Jason) Londo, Kayla Ludwig and Jacob Ludwig; great-grandchildren, Landon Hall, Lucas Hall, Lacey Hall, Jocelyn Kender, Maggie Kender, Andy Reagan, Lily Hastings, Adelaide Hastings, Sofia Hastings and Kyleigh Destrampe; sister, Marie (Rider) Thompson; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.
He was further preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn (Sadowski) Rider; and brother, Ervin Rider.
He will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends and the family would like to give a special thanks to the care team at Burlington Rehab & Care Center and the Aurora VNA Hospice.
Mass of Christian Burial for Gil will be celebrated Friday, Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church with the Rev. James Volkert presiding. Friends and family may greet the family at Good Shepherd Chapel on Feb. 6, from 4-6:15 p.m. Interment will be private.
Memorials are suggested to St. Mary Grade School. Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory, Burlington, is serving the family.
Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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