John Paul Wilger

John Paul Wilger (Jack) passed away peacefully at home in Albuquerque, NM on March 17, 2018. He was surrounded by lots of love, prayers, family, and friends.
A man of great faith, Jack was born October 4, 1936 in Omaha, Nebraska to Walter and Mae Wilger. His family moved to New Mexico in 1945, just before the end of World War II. He graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1956. After that, there was no stopping Jack. He attended UNM, became a businessman extraordinaire, a non-commissioned officer in the Air National Guard, an airplane pilot, a certified scuba diver, an avid golfer, a sailor, and a skier who earned the nickname “Red Streak.”
Jack loved life and traveled all over the world. He visited Europe, Costa Rica, Belize, and the Northwest Territories. Belize was his favorite. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father in New Mexico, Mexico and Canada.
After retiring from Wilger Tires in his 40s, Jack moved to the Virgin Islands. After some time, he returned to New Mexico and started his new venture – Wilger Enterprises – in 1978. The commercial construction company is still operated today by his son, John.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Victoria; his sons, John and Scott (Sherry); his stepchildren, Sonya and Tim Luke, and Jason and Marsha Sais; and his brother, Jerry Wilger and his wife, Glenna. He was “Papa Jack” to Noah Wilger, Devon and Brendon Luke, and Rome Sais. He is also survived by his Elephant Butte Lake Family, and his SAE brothers. He had a special relationship with his “step” family including Sr. Eva Silva, Gloria and Michael Ortiz, Angela and Fred Baum, and Felice and Jose Cervantes.
He brought joy and laughter to many. Anyone who knew him knew “something was up” when they saw the mischievous look in his piercing blue eyes. Everyone wanted to join the “Wilger bus.” His legacy will be one of love, faith, humor, and great stories. He was “The Wilger” and will be missed and loved always.
Jack’s favorite verse was Romans 8:28: “… and we know for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

A Celebration of Jack’s life will be held Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Albuquerque Country Club, 601 Laguna Blvd. SW. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jack’s name to the Dominican Sisters at Marywood, 2025 E. Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 or to Norbertine Community Santa Maria de la Vid, 5826 Coors Blvd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121, or to the charity of your choice.