Carolyn M. Wilder

Carolyn M. Wilder, 83, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away early Thursday morning, September 11, 2025, at her daughter’s residence.

She was born on October 12, 1941, in Adams County, Indiana, the daughter of the late Edward J. Schultz and Esther C. (Geimer) Schultz Braun.

Carolyn was a member of The Bridge Community Church in Decatur. She was employed at Dolco Packaging Corporation from March 5, 1975, until her retirement in 2004. A devoted homemaker, she successfully raised her children as a single mother.

Family was the most important part of Carolyn’s life. She rarely missed a chance to attend her grandchildren’s sporting events and treasured the annual family vacations, especially camping trips. Carolyn loved cooking, canning fruits and vegetables, quilting, and visiting flea markets. She shared a special bond with her sisters through quilting and sewing, enjoying their time together on small trips. Despite life’s struggles, Carolyn remained steadfast in her love of God and her faith in Christ as her Savior.

She is survived by her children, Linda L. (Jeff) Yoder of Decatur, Indiana; Ronald A. (Cindy) Wilder of Monroe, Indiana; Carla J. (Scott) Wilson of Quincy, Michigan; and Janet K. (Doug) Bradtmueller of Fort Wayne, Indiana; her sisters, Betty Meyer of Decatur, Indiana; Pat (Mike) Kable of Decatur, Indiana, and Joyce (Gary) Teeple of Decatur, Indiana; brothers, Donald (Linda) Braun of Decatur, Indiana, and Jerome Braun of California; nine grandchildren, Michelle (Doug) Cochran, Natalie (Jon) Roe, Whittney (Ethan) Fiechter, Zachary (Chyenne) Wilder, Travis (Laura) Wilder, Tasha Wilson, Dakota (Taylor) Wilson, Austin (Audrey) Bradtmueller, and Cole (fiancée Kali Meyer) Bradtmueller; and seventeen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Edward Schultz and Thomas Braun; sister-in-law, Aline Braun; brother-in-law, Dan Meyer; and her step-father, Jerome Braun, who following the death of her father at the age of 3, she thought of as dad.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at The Bridge Community Church in Decatur, with Pastor Dave Fox officiating. Burial will follow at Decatur Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Preferred memorials are to ACCF Heart, Stillwater Hospice, or The Bridge Community Church.

Arrangements are by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana.