October 23, 1939 – August 11, 2026
Janice S. Wilde, 86, of Seymour, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, at The Lutheran Community Home, surrounded by the family who loved her.
Born on October 23, 1939, in Clear Springs, IN, she was the daughter of the late Stanley Leroy and Bettie Catherine (Bacon) Martin. She graduated from Shields High School in 1957 and received an associate degree from Purdue University School of Technology. On January 6, 1978, Jan married the love of her life, James F. Wilde. He preceded her in death on July 29, 2020. They made their home in Seymour, IN. She worked at George’s of Seymour Inc. for thirteen years and then at The Lutheran Community Home for twenty-seven years.
Jan’s faith began at a young age and was very important to her, sustaining her through life’s difficult times. She was a member of Central Christian Church for forty-five years, where she filled many roles and sang in the choir. In 1996, she joined Immanuel Lutheran Church and was involved in many groups, including the Friends Bible Study Group and the Visually Impaired Group for twelve and a half years. She also sang in the choir. She was more than a fifty-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 134, where she served as past matron and pianist.
Through the years, time took a toll on friends and family. Jan stayed in contact with her childhood friend, Amy Mullins Price, whom she met at Clear Springs Grade School and who presently resides in Louisville, KY. Jan dearly loved her parents, siblings, husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her heart adopted children of all ages, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Jan is survived by her stepchildren, Don (Sue) Wilde, Dick (Debra) Wilde, and Jerri (Dave) Duchanine; five step-grandchildren; ten step-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Bettie Martin; her beloved husband, James; her brothers, Bob Martin and Bill Martin; and her sisters, Lorene Forgey and Laverne Burnside.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Burkholder Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes, 419 N. Chestnut St., Seymour, IN, with the Rev. Philip Bloch officiating. Burial will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Seymour, IN. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday, August 15, 2026, also at Burkholder Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jan’s memory to Immanuel Lutheran Church, The Lutheran Community Home, or Central Christian Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jon Pace and Scotty Wessel at the Burkholder Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes in Seymour.
Memories and condolences may be shared, and flowers may be ordered at www.Thornefunerals.com.
