Louise Aleta Wilder

Louise Aleta Wilder was born on July 30, 1937 in Roseburg, Oregon to Peter and Freda Menegat of Lakeside.  The second daughter of four, she kept a tight and lasting bond with her sisters Pat (Kimbrel), Florence (Frishman) and Kathy (Reimers) throughout her life.

Louise grew up on her parent’s ranch on Lindross Arm of North Tenmile Lake in Lakeside. One of her fondest memories was riding the school boat that picked up the kids around the lake each day for school. 

After graduating from Lakeside school in 8th grade, Louise attended North Bend High School, graduating in 1955. While in high school, she met her future husband Dean Wilder in Mr. Atkin’s math class her freshman year.  She also developed a love for rhythm and blues music.  Little Richard, Big Joe Turner and Little Willie John were among her favorites.  She collected quite a few 45s from record shops in Portland while visiting her cousins and played those records throughout her life.

After high school, Louise attended Western Oregon University in Monmouth in order to become an elementary school teacher.  She later transferred down to Ashland to South Western Oregon College after marrying Dean in 1958 in Reno, Nevada.  She graduated in 1959 and returned to North Bend where she got a teaching job at Charleston Grade School teaching fourth grade.

After teaching at Charleston a year, Louise and Dean moved to Lakeside onto Louise’s grandparent’s ranch. They remodeled the ranch house while Louise started teaching fourth grade and remedial reading at Lakeside school. 

Louise continued to teach school until her first child, Andrea (Kellner), came along in 1973.  Although she continued to sub at times, Louise spent most of her time on the ranch with her family—taking care of Andrea and later Janeen (Starbuck) who came along in 1978, feeding the cows while Dean was at work, pulling weeds and spending time with her sisters and parents.

Growing up on a dairy, Louise always loved animals.  She always said that you should take care of your animals before you take care of yourself.  Louise especially loved horses and was big fan of cowboy author Will James.  She belonged to the Will James Society and was a 4-H Horse leader for the Hauser Dune Riders 4-H club while her daughter Janeen was in horse 4-H.  She also adored cats and her lap was always prime cat real estate.

Louise also grew a large garden every year.  She enjoyed canning and freezing what she grew, and especially loved cucumber salad made with two tablespoons of olive oil, one of vinegar and salt and pepper.

While not helping on the ranch, Louise was the secretary of the Lakeside Drainage District for many years.  She also belonged to the Paper Doll club and collected stamps.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Pat and her sister, Kathy. 

Louise is survived by her husband, Dean Wilder; children, Andrea Kellner of Lakeside and Janeen Starbuck of Crane, OR; three grandchildren, Henry, Frank and Lena Starbuck, and her sister, Florence Frishman of Lakeside.  A graveside service will be held at 11am, Saturday, August 23 at Sunset Memorial Park, 63060 Millington Frontage Road in Coos Bay.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com

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