Denise April Wildasin

Denise April Wildasin, 67, unexpectedly passed from this life on Monday, December 9, 2024, at her residence due to complications from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She was a 1975 graduate of Susquehannock High School. She was the loving wife to Burnell Wildasin and they were married on April 19, 1975. Born in York, she was the daughter of Dagmar (Reichard) Sater Wirz and the late William Sater, and stepdaughter to Michael Wirz.

Denise was a lifelong resident of New Freedom. She saw many changes to the town over her lifetime, and was proud of this small town. She was very active in the community. She was New Freedom Borough Republican Committeewoman and recently became a member of the Southern York County Recreation Commission, which amused those who knew her well. She took joy in seeing some old traditions revived and new businesses thrive in her hometown.

Denise spent many years in the antiques and collectibles business. She was an entrepreneur who administered an eBay site, “Rusty Lace Emporium”, trading a wide variety of collectibles. She was also involved in Civil War re-enacting with her husband, where her extensive knowledge of the time was a great asset

Denise was a longtime member of Harvest Christian Fellowship, now Holy Trinity CEC. As a member of Harvest Christian, she was extensively involved with the Youth Group. She was also involved in numerous other ministries in both Harvest Christian and Holy Trinity.

Denise also spent many years on the Shrewsbury Flower Show committee. It was the perfect place to show off her creativity and talent with flowers and decorating. Though it took a lot of time and effort, every year she produced amazing displays. She even managed to get her reluctant sister to participate in events to promote the Flower Show.

On any given day in the summer, you could find Denise puttering in her garden. She loved her flowers and her ponds and her fish. She never minded getting dirty to get her vision just right. Happiness was dirty feet and seeing new plants grow. She kept Burnell busy with numerous projects throughout the year, but especially in the summer, always adding, always improving. Summer evenings were often spent enjoying a fire and the company of neighbors and friends who just happened to stop by.

Thanksgiving and Christmas were her favorite holidays. For many years, Denise and her sister eagerly waited on the front porch after Thanksgiving dinner for the town’s Christmas lights to be lit for the first time. She was known for her elaborate and beautiful Christmas decorating. Each room had a theme and a tree she decorated until it was perfect. She and Burnell worked hard at making Christmas magical. Every year, she brought the Christmas Spirit into her home and made it shine forth for others.

Denise was a beautiful woman and a beautiful soul. She was strong, intelligent, witty, creative, loving, strong-willed and loyal. She was a beloved friend and mentor to many. She loved her animals as if they were her children. Her loss leaves a hole in so many hearts that can never be filled. They can take comfort in knowing that Denise always wanted to see the face of Jesus, and now not only has she seen Him, but she will be there waiting with Him to greet family and friends when it is their turn.

Surviving in addition to her husband and parents is a beloved sister, Rheanna Rehmeyer and her husband, Mike of York.

There will be a service in the future; please check back to Denise’s personal memorial web page at HartensteinCares.com for further details. Donations would be appreciated to help with defraying final expenses and helping her family through this difficult time. Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc. of New Freedom.