Arthur F. Wilder, 79

LACONIA — Arthur F. Wilder, 79, of 45 Overland Street, died at his home Saturday July 31, 2004. Mr. Wilder was born April 8, 1925 in Worcester, Mass., the son of Herbert W. and Ella M. (Rice) Wilder. He had been a resident of Laconia since 1948 coming from Jaffrey.

Mr. Wilder was employed by the Laconia School system and was the custodian at the Pleasant Street School from 1958 until he retired in 1990. He was a member of the Bible Speaks Church. He was an avid fisherman.

Survivors include his wife Rachel (Fellows) Wilder of Laconia; three sons, Fred Wilder of New Milford, Conn., Leon Wilder of Goffstown, and Glen Wilder of Belmont; a daughter, Linda Collins of Ft. Collins, Colo.; two step-sons, David McGowan of Laconia and Daniel McGowan of Hooksett; a step-daughter, Terry McGowan of Lakeport; two grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Ethel T. Wilder, in 1987.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday August 3, 2004 from 6-8 p.m. at the Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home,

164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, using the Carriage House entrance.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 4, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Robert Horne, pastor of the Bible Speaks Church will officiate. Burial will be in Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Community Health & Hospice, Inc. 780 North

Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246 or to the New Hampshire Humane Society, PO Box 572, Laconia, NH 03247-0572.

The Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, is in charge of the arrangements. For more information and to view an on-line memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.