Thomas Joseph (Scotty) Wild

life story

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Scotty Wild, our beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend.

Scotty was born and raised in Northwest Chicago, which was a source of great pride throughout his life. He often shared stories of growing up in the city, recounting adventures with his friends on the streets of Chicago in the 1940s and later working on these same streets as a door-to-door salesman and delivery driver. In his youth, Scotty proudly served in the National Guard from 1959-1965 and attended DePaul University. Scotty moved to Minnesota in 1980 where he served as District Manager for Hostess and later began his investment career with American Express and Wells Fargo until his retirement in 2004.

Outside his family life, Scotty’s greatest passion and love was for drum corps, where he was a celebrated member of the community for over 70 years. He began his avocation marching with the Chicago Cavaliers before becoming one of the top drill writers and show designers in the Midwest, working with elite corps such as the Des Plaines Vanguard, Schaumberg Guardsmen, Saint Paul Scouts and Minnesota Brass. He has served in leadership roles with several corps, judged at the first Drum Corps International (DCI) Championship in 1972, and was a long-time visual judge for both Central States Judges and DCI. His contributions included organizing the Drum Beauty contest in Minnesota for over 25 years and being inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame in 2001. It goes without saying that he has left a lasting impact on the drum corps and marching band communities nationwide.

Yet, Scotty’s greatest legacy lies in the love and devotion he showed to his family. He would always put others ahead of himself, allowing them to have the spotlight and was a constant cheerleader at his kids’ events, including several years of performing as a “Dancing Dad.” He will be dearly missed by his wife, Beth, sharing 37 years of marriage; former wife, Janice; children: Scott, Michael (Kris), Rob, Heather (Dana), Andrea (David), Kate (Luke), Nautica, and Ana; grandchildren: Devaun, Robert, Melissa, Oscar and Ari; his sister, Janice (Ed); siblings-in-law, Jenny (Ron), Dennis (Bonnie), Debby (Jerry), and by many nieces, nephews and friends. Scotty is preceded in death by his daughter, Susan, and his parents, Josephine and Harold.

A celebration of Scotty’s life will be held at North Saint Paul American Legion (2678 7th Ave E, North St Paul, MN) on Sunday, January 26 at 1:00 pm.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.

John 14:1-3

memorial service

American Legion

January 26, 2025

American Legion 2678 7th Ave E, North St Paul, MN 55109, USA

There will be a traditional funeral service at 1:30 with music from Brio Brass and Drum Corp alums afterwards.