I loved his work long before I knew he was a Milwaukee guy. When I was a kid, my Mom, God bless her, would say that Mel Brooks movies were so crass and sophomoric, etc., and at the same time, my Dad and I would watch Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, etc., and laugh our asses off, all the while with Dad saying "Don't tell Mom."
One of the most delightful things I heard about Mr. Wilder was Mel Brooks on his PBS American Masters episode. Remember the moment in The Producers where Gene Wilder freaks out about "My bright blue blanket!!!" Well, according to Mr. Wilder, Mel Brooks made him eat a bunch of chocolate and drink coffee so that he could do the frantic freak-out performance. A less thoughtful and caring director might have asked the actor to consume stronger stuff ...
Anyway, I have loved every performance I have ever seen from Mr. Wilder. What a wonderful talent. May he rest in peace.