LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Colonel John Thomas Wilden-
berg, U.S. Army, retired, distinguished citizen and devoted member of
his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Colonel John Thomas Wildenberg, U.S. Army, retired, of New
Windsor, New York, died on March 8, 2013, at the age of 69; and
WHEREAS, Born on September 25, 1943, to the late Christian and Monica
(Van Ryzin) Wildenberg, John Thomas Wildenberg proudly served his coun-
try for 26 years as a United States Army Engineer; and
WHEREAS, John Thomas Wildenberg enlisted in the United States Army to
serve in Vietnam; he was an Officer Candidate School graduate and is
honored at the U.S. Army Engineer Officer Hall of Fame at Fort Leonard
Wood, Missouri; and
WHEREAS, Colonel John Thomas Wildenberg's military awards and deco-
rations included the: Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with two
oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster,
Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct
Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Vietnam
Service Medal with four Service Stars, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Viet-
nam Campaign Medal, Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Army
Service Ribbon and four Overseas Service Ribbons; and
WHEREAS, Repeatedly recognized for his continued service to the commu-
nity after his retirement from the United States Army, John Thomas
Wildenberg loved to fish and play golf; above all, he loved to be with
people; he had a great love for life, and a passion for helping others;
and
WHEREAS, John Thomas Wildenberg is survived by his loving wife of more
than 20 years, Geri; his children, Jacquie (Mike); Scott (Wendy); Jeffe
(Wendy); Karrie; Gregg (Mary); Christine (Steve); and Larry (Sue); and
by 12 grandchildren: Grace, Halle; Nathan, Evan, Isaiah, Tyler, Alexis,
Jessica, Riley, Elijah, Harper and Elliot; and
WHEREAS, John Thomas Wildenberg is also survived by his sisters:
Barbara (Gerald) Ferguson, Mary (Gerald) Schumacher, Monica (Vernon)
Meulemans, Anne (Doug) Stangel, and brother, Jim (Donna) Wildenberg, as
well as by numerous nieces and nephews; he was preceded in death by his
son, Chris, and grandson, Peyton; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, John Thomas Wildenberg leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all he served and befriended; he will be remembered as someone who
made a positive difference in the lives of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Colonel John Thomas Wildenberg, U.S. Army, retired,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Colonel John Thomas Wildenberg.