Dean Lloyd Wildes age 96 of Beloit died Monday January 13, 2025 in his home. He was born May 7, 1928 to Herbert Wildes and Vera (Purdy) Wilde in Warren, WI. Dean left Tomah High School before graduation to care for his mother.  He enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1951 and served his Country until his honorable discharge in 1953. Dean married Mary Phillips on July 25, 1953 in Union Grove, WI. Earning his High School diploma was important to Dean.  On January 28, 2017 he was awarded his honorary High School Diploma. Dean owned and operated the Sinclair Gas Station in Beloit for many years. Then went on to work at Thrift Remsen Printing, General Disposal and at Laid Law Bus Company until his retirement in 1996. He loved being a bus driver and wanted to be remembered as always getting his student riders home safe.  Dean always wanted to write a book about his adventures as a school bus driver. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan. Dean also enjoyed gardening and worked on many cars over the years, teaching his sons all about automotive maintenance. He will be remembered as a loving husband,    father, grandfather and family man.  

He is survived by his wife, Mary Wildes; his four children, Deborah Wildes, of Reedsburg, WI, Delbert (Terri) Wildes of Janesville, WI,  Maurene (Mark) Olson of Milton, WI and Darrell (Sheri) Wildes of Beloit, WI; his ten granddaughters, Angela (Jeff) Feltz, Brandi (Brian) Hawley, Dina Kaplan, Melissa (James) Cobb, Erin (Jason) Ballard, Nicole Olson, Brooke (Brian) Adams, Courtney Wildes, Jordyn Wildes, and Jessica Wildes;  his great-grandchildren, Clayton Hawley, Ben (Addison) Hawley, Abigail Cobb, Olivia Cobb, Emma Cobb, James Cobb Jr., Sean Austin, Denver Zirzow,  Dylan Zirrow, Mathue Swisher, Zack Ballard, Levi Ballard, Lily Carl, Charlie Carl, Carsyn Harvell, Ellie Mae Harvell, Brilani Stamper; one great great grandson on the way; sisters Joyce (Richard) Noonan and Lois (Jack) Pierce; his brothers Loren (Vicki) Wildes and Leland (Linda) Wildes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Hulda Wildes; his brother Dale (Louise) Wildes, and Norman (Susan) Wilde. his great-granddaughters Ashley Lynn Austin-Ellis, Evelyn Ballard, & Bethany Ballard.

The family would like to thank the Staff at Inclusa and Beloit Regional Hospice for the wonderful, instrumental care they gave Dean.

Dean’s Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday January 22, 2025 in the BRIAN MARK FUNERAL HOME, 1000 Inman Parkway, Beloit with Chaplain Mark Maxted officiating. Friends will be received on Wednesday in the Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Luncheon and fellowship will be shared after Dean’s service in our Banquet room. Interment & Full Military Burial Rites will be accorded at Floral Laws Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on our website.