Merle Edward Wilde Jr., 76, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025.  A gathering to celebrate Merle's life will be held on Friday, September 19th at 5:30 p.m. at 33927 Johnson Dr., Sioux City, Iowa. All who knew and loved him are welcome to join.

Merle was born and raised in Sioux City, where he returned in his later years after spending several decades in Tucson, Arizona. He was a proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Merle is survived by his children, Brian (Shauna) Wilde, Keith Wilde, and Crystal (Tim) McKinley; his grandchildren Amanda Lockwood-Lenig, Alexis Wilde, Brian Wilde Jr., Keaton Wilde, Timothy McKinley Jr., Nevaeh Wilde, Carter Wilde, Ezra McKinley, and Jonah McKinley; his great-grandchildren Dean, Wyatt, Korra, Levi, Irene, Nyx, and Emerix; his siblings Steve Wilde, Ed Wilde, Debbie Cloud, and Jackie Rasmussen; and his beloved dog Zander, a trusted and loyal companion who remained faithfully by his side until the very end. He was preceded in death by loved ones who now welcome him home.

Merle lived a life defined by resilience, humor, and love. He celebrated 47½ years of sobriety, a milestone he held with deep pride, and spent many of his younger years mentoring others on their own paths to recovery. In Tucson, he enjoyed golfing with close friends and later found joy in bowling leagues until health challenges intervened. He was especially active in the lives of his daughter and the McKinley grandchildren, creating cherished memories of love and laughter.

He was also an avid fisherman who loved casting his line into rivers and lakes, especially in his later years. Many mornings, Merle could be found out on the river early, enjoying the peace of the water and the thrill of fishing—one of his favorite pastimes.

After returning to Sioux City, Merle embraced the opportunity to grow closer with his Wilde children and grandchildren, a major reason for his move back to Iowa. The time he spent with them was deeply important to him and brought him comfort and joy in his later years. Alongside family, he cherished countless conversations with his siblings, who lovingly cared for him through his final days.

Known for his sharp wisdom—often delivered with a blunt but loving edge—Merle's unique personality left a lasting mark on those around him. He was the man who refused to give up, surviving ten heart attacks and an infectious disease. "Stubborn" was a word often used to describe him, always with affection and a smile.

Merle will be remembered for his dashing blue eyes, playful humor, loyal heart, and the way he could light up a room with his quick wit and charm. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and perseverance. And true to his spirit, he danced to the very end. He will be missed beyond words.