Edward F. Wildgans

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward F. Wildgans, Sr. at the age of 88 on December 3rd, 2020.

Edward was born to Graham and Katheryn Wildgans in San Francisco on May 21, 1932. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1950, then proudly served our country in The United States Navy Reserves. He then attended and graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Ed met and married Shirley Jean Craig in 1954, and they quickly became parents to four boys. Raising his family on Lawton Street, Ed spent his days working for Pacific Bell and coaching his son’s little league and CYO basketball teams. He and Shirley were frequently seen volunteering and socializing at St. Anne’s functions. Edward was a born and raised San Franciscan, but moved to Fresno in 1974 when offered a promotion by his employer. Shirley was originally from the Central Valley, so they packed up their two youngest son’s and made their way to Fresno. He retired after serving Pacific Bell for 32 years, and enjoyed the life of leisure, with lots of golf on the itinerary. After losing both his first wife and eldest son within a year of each other, Ed found love again when he met his second wife Carlene. They married in 1992 and lived a happy life in the Central Valley. They enjoyed travelling together and spending time with their extended family. Edward is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Shirley Jean Wildgans, his son Edward F. Wildgans, Jr., and his two sisters Lorraine Padden and Dorothy Bon Giovanni. Edward is survived by his second wife, Carlene Wildgans, sons Mike Wildgans, Dan Wildgans, and Tim Wildgans, daughters- in- law Bernadette Wildgans and Sono Takizawa, step- daughter, Linda Kerney , grandchildren Pamela and Christopher Nichols, Jack Wildgans, Jaclyn Feagins, Nicolas Younce, Eric Deker, JaCory Payton, and Dreyanna Beck, and great- grandchildren Charlotte and Edward Nichols.

Ed will be laid to rest at Holy Cross cemetery. Due to current restrictions the service will be private, and for immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, to carry on Ed’s charitable spirit, kindly make a donation to your favorite charity.