William Randolph Wildner, 94

William Randolph Wildner passed away at his residence in Rochester Hills, Michigan, on May 21, 2026. 

Bill was born on July 24, 1932, to Randolph and Elizabeth (Wehn) Wildner.

He was the younger brother to his late sisters, Dorothy (Woodrow) Ballard, Barbara (Arthur) Sandtveit, and Lillian (Joseph) Carafelli.

Bill graduated from Berkley High School in 1954. He enlisted in the Air Force and was an aircraft mechanic. He later worked in several shops as a machine builder and machine repairman. He was a master of many trades and could fix anything. In the 1970s he founded his own company, Attica Hydraulics. From humble beginnings he grew this company to become a world-renowned corporation.

In 1954, Bill married the love of his life, Sally Dorothea Parker. They first settled in Royal Oak, then moved to Attica, Michigan, where they embraced farm life. As empty nesters, they enjoyed waterfront living, and wintering in Florida.

Bill loved life and lived with vibrancy. He went hunting, fishing and boating. He took up waterskiing, racquetball and became an avid golfer. He was competitive and enjoyed playing cards and visiting the casino. He loved swimming in the ocean and at age 65 got his SCUBA certification and dove on Australia’s Barrier Reef.

His love for music, dancing, and singing blossomed in his later years, bringing joy to those around him. William R. Wildner’s legacy is one of love, strength, laughter and a zest for life. He was a man who worked hard and played hard, and his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Bill is survived by his children, Lori Jager, Randy (Myra), Bill (Colleen), and Jill (Jerry) Cavellier; grandchildren, Myranda (Travis) Watson, Ashley (Chad) Halsted, Jordan Jager, Morgan (Robert) Gardner, Randy (Nicole Scotto) Wildner Jr., William Aaron (Amanda) Wildner, Alexander (Kaytee) Wildner, Louis, Maxwell, and Sally Ella Cavellier; and great-grandchildren, Parker and Marietta Watson, Celina Gardner, Jackson, Emma and Ava Halsted, Delaney, William and Charlotte Wildner, Elias and Samuel Wildner. Bill is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sally; son in law, Randy Jager and great-granddaughters, Harper and Aubrey Wildner. 

Bill’s children would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to family and friends who enriched his life. Special gratitude is given to Lisa Ellout from Hospice of Michigan for her years of tender care and to Cindy Rocco for escorting Bill to music programs and concerts at Bellbrook.

Bill has donated his body to Wayne State School of Medicine. A private memorial service will be held and his cremains will be interred with Sally’s at Imlay Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for the disease that took Bill from us in his later years. Donations can be made at curealz.org.