Wilma Fern Fane

Rice Lake, WI - Wilma Fern Gregg Wilder Fane, age 85, formerly of Princeton, IL., returned to her heavenly home on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. She was surrounded by family and friends who loved her deeply and who sang, shared stories and loved on her until she was peacefully wrapped in the arms of Jesus and carried home. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her throughout her life and ultimately gave her peace. Wilma was born to the late Herman and Ethel (Barnard) Gregg in Clinton, Missouri, on January 2, 1941. She had five brothers and two sisters. She moved to Rock Island, Illinois, in 1958 with her family and graduated from Rock Island High School that same year. Wilma began her working years in various positions, including Regalia Manufacturing. She spent most of her career caring for others, first as a Certified Nurse's Aide and later as a Physical and Occupational Therapy Aide. Wilma retired after 27 years of service at Colonial Hall Nursing Home in Princeton, Illinois. She enjoyed cooking, especially baking pies and cookies for friends and family around Christmas. She was an amazing cook and baker and anyone who was lucky enough to have been blessed with enjoying her food would tell you there was not a better cook or baker around. She was a huge sports fan and a die-hard Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls supporter. In her younger years, she enjoyed dancing and bowling. Wilma loved country music, with George Jones being her favorite singer. One of her favorite pastimes was spending time with her family playing games such as Yahtzee, Dominoes, and Aggravation. Wilma was blessed with a large and loving family. She married the late James Dawson Wilder in 1961, and they were married for 33 years. Together, they raised their three children with patience, discipline, and humility. After the death of her husband, James Wilder, Wilma later married Ronald Fane of Dixon, Illinois. Ronald preceded Wilma in death. Wilma is survived by her three children: Melvin Royal Paul Wilder and wife Sarah Wilder (Valdosta, GA), James Derrick Wilder and wife Nicole Wilder (Canton, IL), Rhonda Michelle Wilder Schaefer (Rice Lake, WI); She is also survived by nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren that she loved dearly. She had so many other dear friends that were like family members that think of her like a mother, sister, aunt, or grandmother. She was preceded in death by one sister and five brothers, Lucille, Donald, Homer, Cecil, Dale, and Clifton Gregg. Wilma is survived by one sister, Ruby. Wilma was an amazing mother to her three children. She loved taking them to sports practices and games, as well as band and singing music events. She truly loved her entire family and was happiest when everyone could be together in one big room. We celebrate her life, and although we will miss her deeply, we know that just as she loved having us all together, we will one day join her again with our Heavenly Father, reunited in heaven. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Services to follow at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Colleen Lawrence from the First Presbyterian Church. A private graveside service to follow. Online condolences may be directed to www.norbergfh.com Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Wilma Fern Fane

January 2, 1941 - January 20, 2026