Jean Ann Wilder

Jean Ann Wilder, 69, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 21, 2024. She was born on September 29, 1955 in Bellevue, Iowa to Edward and Marie (Junk) Kilburg. She went to school in Bellevue where she was a standout on the women's basketball team. After high school Jean left Iowa in search of career and adventures. She found success in all her various new endeavors. In the late 1970s while still in her twenties she became a very successful Property Manager of large apartment complexes in California. This career brought her to the Kansas City area in the early 1980s. Unfortunately, a car accident and the aftermath ended her Managerial career. 

Jean lived through many health issues during the following years. In 2003 she moved to Olathe, Ks. It was then she started her online business selling collectables and fine art. In March of 2004 she met her future husband Scott Wilder at Gold River Auction in Olathe. On July 4th 2008 they were married in the Wilder family garden in Port Townsend, Wa. There after the couple resided in Olathe, Ks. During their time together they often traveled to National Parks along with many other interesting and fascinating destinations. 

Jean continued to be a modest, but very successful online seller of fine art, antiques, and collectables during the entirety of her life. She not only had a passion for fine art, she was also a huge KC Chiefs fan, enthusiastically watching every game. Jean was an ardent supporter of the Democratic party and was quite passionate about her politics. She really enjoyed waking in the neighborhood and getting to know all the neighbors. Jean also had a passion for the natural world, enjoyed bird watching, and had recently become an ardent gardener.

Jean and Scott were very close. They were married for 16 years and were best friends. She will be greatly missed.

Jean is survived by her husband, Scott Wilder.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Jean’s memory be made to PBS teleview to celebrate Jean's love of Masterpiece Theatre and all their great programs.