William "Bill" Joseph Wildes

William “Bill” Wildes, 55, of Prior Lake, passed away suddenly while doing what he loved, running, on November 17, 2025.

A Liturgy of the Word will be held at 2:00 PM, with a Time of Gathering from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation in Prior Lake. Burial will follow at Spring Lake Cemetery in Prior Lake, with a reception at his favorite local spot, TJ Hooligan’s, at 4 PM.

In Lieu of Flowers Honor Bill's Kindness

Bill was born on October 2, 1970, in Blytheville, Arkansas, and grew up on U.S. Air Force bases across the country. He graduated from Warner Robins High School in Georgia in 1988, earned his BA in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of North Texas in 1993, and later completed an MBA from Southern Methodist University. He began his family at a young age in Texas, and later the family moved to Minnesota, where he built a full and loving life with family and close friends. Bill worked in Business Analytics and IT, most recently for Ramsey County.

In recent years, as an empty nester, Bill was truly thriving. He was in the best physical shape of his life, running regularly and working out which he loved. He was traveling, making plans to see his children and grandchildren often, and reconnecting with family more and more. Bill was surrounded by a wide and devoted circle of friends who cherished him.

Bill was a family man to his core. He always put his loved ones first, and his dedication went far beyond what anyone could ever ask for. Bill was a devoted, kind, and immensely proud father whose greatest joy in life was his children. He traveled often to spend time with his granddaughters and was endlessly sweet and playful with them. As a brother, he was the peacekeeper and was always ready with a different perspective. As a son, he cared lovingly for his mother. He cherished life with his long-term partner, Lori.

Countless people saw him as a father figure, a grandfather figure, or simply the person they could rely on without question. He had a way of making people feel like family, and he took on the burdens of others without ever asking for anything in return. Known for his intelligence, patience, gentle humor, and steady presence, he touched more lives than he ever realized.

In his final act of selflessness, Bill saved three lives through organ donation and improved the lives of more than 75 others through tissue and eye donation.

Bill is survived by his children, David Hebron, Kayla Wildes, and Xavier Wildes; his granddaughters, Athena Hebron and Josephine Hebron; his mother, Sharon Wildes Keefe; his longtime partner, Lori Friedrich; his brothers, James Wildes (Annie) and David Wildes (Kimberly); his sister, Eve Richey (Dave); and Maribel Wildes, mother of his children. He is preceded in death by his father, James S. Wildes, and his stepfather, Victor F. Keefe.

Bill will be deeply missed. His legacy is one of selfless generosity, quiet strength, and unconditional love. Those who knew him will remember not only his kindness, but also his thoughtful wisdom, his easy sense of humor, and his uncanny ability to know exactly what someone needed. His presence made life easier, softer, and better for everyone around him.