Whidden-McLean Funeral Home and Crematory
Dr. Wilbur R. Reschly
(December 23, 1945 – February 26, 2025)
Lakeland – Dr. Wilbur R. Reschly, M.D., age 79, passed away on Feb. 26, 2025, at Solaris Healthcare Plant City. He was born on December 23, 1945, in Olds, Iowa. As a young man, he detasseled corn on the family farm and neighboring farms during the summer to help with his college tuition. He also worked as a Union carpenter during the summer through his college years. He married Julianne Woodhouse in June 1968. He graduated from the University of Iowa with his M.D. in June of 1971. From there, he and his family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he did his internship at Hennepin County Hospital. In 1972, Dr. Reschly began a dermatology residency at Duke University in Durham, N.C. He didn’t like the cold, cloudy days so he started looking for a place to practice in sunny Florida, where he could grow citrus. He chose Lakeland, Fl. as the new home for his growing family and moved to Lakeland in 1975. In Lakeland, he had a mini farm with horses, a pony, registered French Alpine goats, chickens, ducks and later geese. Rabbits would join the gang on occasion, along with a cat.
As his practice thrived he started buying land to plant citrus. Over the years, he and his children Matthew and Maureen together prepared and planted over 60 acres. He enjoyed gardening, working in his groves, being outside and taking care of his dermatology patients. He is survived by his children, Maureen Reschly (Anthony Davanzo), Dr. Matthew Reschly (Caroline Williamson), Karen N. Reschly (Christopher Worsham), Benjamin J. Reschly (Jennifer Overcash) and Dr. William Reschly. A second marriage produced, Luke Reschly and Hollee M. Reschly. Grandchildren include Joey Reschlavanzo, Olivia R. Reschly, Henry H. Reschly, Emily C. Reschly, Charlotte C. Reschly and Elizabeth (Drew) Reschly. Dr. Wilbur Reschly is survived by his brother, Dr. Ron Reschly (Barbara) and former spouse Julie Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents, several siblings and a young son Joseph Reschly.
Private Family Services have been held. Condolences to the family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com