Walton, NY - WALTON - "In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree."

Ralph Vernon Wildenstein died at home Feb. 15, 2025. With God's blessing he had greeted each day as a chance to dig in the soil and play in the water. He was the owner/operator of Chris' Flowers and Greenhouses in Walton for 47 years. Following its closing in 2009 he still heard from former customers "We miss you and your business."

Ralph Vernon Wildenstein was born at home in Aldenville, Pennsylvania, the second son of Ralph and Flora (Freer) Wildenstein. After the Pennsylvania Flood of 1942 he moved with his family to a hill farm in Mount Upton, where he had farm chores and attended school.

Vern gave his wife, Judith Morenus, the greatest compliment when he told her "My life began when I married you." They celebrated 64 years of marriage on Aug. 6, 2024.

Vern (the name he preferred) is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter, Susan Hammerslag, and son, Seth Wildenstein (Christina). He has three cherished grandchildren, Zachary Wildenstein, Lucas Wildenstein (Lindsey Gignac), and Meredith Hammerslag. Vern has an older brother, Francis; a younger brother, Ronald (Joan); and a sister Hazel Fuller. From his wife's family he is survived by sisters-in law Ann Van Slyke and Gretchen (Chuck) Nenno, and brother-in-law Peter Morenus. Family reunions were important to Vern and he welcomed the opportunity to visit with many nieces, nephews and their families. Vern was predeceased by his parents; brother, Loren Wildenstein and sister, Myrna Schuldt.

Vern was a proud charter member of the Walton Lions Club where he served in many club offices through the years. He enjoyed working for their annual fundraisers of the roast beef dinner each November and the plant sale each May. Vern received special recognition as the only continuing charter member in July 2024 when the club celebrated its 60th anniversary.

When he moved to Walton in August 1962, Vern became a member of the United Presbyterian Church. He had been a head usher, and among other duties was delighted to ring the tower bell each Sunday morning.

As president of the Walton Cemetery Association, he learned of the decline in funding and the need for some way to maintain the exceptional level of service to the community. With determination he oversaw the three-year construction of the crematory completed and operational in 2017. As a director, he saw completion of work on the fountain, the naming and signs for the roads in the cemetery, and the Memorial Garden.

Vern and his family delighted in welcoming foreign high school students into their home through the organization AFS-American Field Service. Some of these students have become lifelong friends and make visits to Walton and the Wildenstein family whenever possible.

Vern's family has a great appreciation for Helios and the care they have given to Vern since last September. He looked forward to the weekly visits by the nurses and hearing the phone calls from the volunteers.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., March 2, at the United Presbyterian Church in Walton.

If you are thinking of a gift in Vern's memory, please consider Helios Care, 297 River St. Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820 (www.helioscare.org) or the United Presbyterian Church of Walton, 58 East St., Walton, NY 13856.

To send on-line condolences to the family, visit www.hallandpeet.com.