Harold J. Wilson, age 88, of Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba (formerly of Groos area) died Monday afternoon May 3, 2004 at the Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba where he was a patient. Harold was born August 10, 1915 in Wayne County, Michigan the son of Frank and Alice (Rice) Wilson. He was raised in Lower Michigan and joined the CCC’s at the age of 17. He than joined the U.S. Army during WWII and served with the Anti-tank Company 3rd Infantry Reg. #4 and was stationed in Berlin, Germany. Following his discharge in 1946 he returned to theStonington area.
Harold worked for Mead Paper Corporation from 1951 to 1977 where he was an oilier. He was a member of Christ The King Lutheran Church in Escanaba and the Escanaba River American Legion Post #115. Harold loved spending time in the woods and especially enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and spending time at camp. He also enjoyed working with wood and making knives.
Survivors include:
2 Sons: Daniel (Barb) Wilson of Ensign; Richard (Debbie) Wilson of Gladstone.
3 Daughters: Lois (Fred) Day of Warsaw, Missouri; Marilyn (Ramon) Tordeur of Muskego, WI; Shirley O’Mealy of Escanaba.
2 Brothers: Ken (Irene) Wilson of Ontario, CA; Paul (Peggy) Wilson of Columbiaville, MI.
1 Sister: Gertrude (Grover) Campbell of Florida.
14 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by:
His wife, the former Malvina Johnson whom he married on June 25, 1938 in Rapid River. She preceded him in death in June of 1998.
5 Brothers: Chuck, Frank, Eber, Don, and Tom.
3 Sisters: Gladys, Florence and Nette.
1 Great Granddaughter: Carrie Ann Deneau.
Harolds family will receive friends on Thursday from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Harold J. Wilson will follow at 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home with Rev. Peter Andersen of Christ the King Lutheran Church officiating. Burial with military rites conducted by Rapid River American Legion Post #301 will follow services at Rapid River Cemetery in Rapid River.
Anonymous
Uncle Had, as I always called him gave me many fond memories. He had a great sense of humor and always treated people well. My husband and I got married very young and were unable to have a honeymoon. We were fortunate enough to travel with my parents to Uncle Had’s a short time after we were married. We would have enjoyed just being away with family for a week, but Uncle Had thought we should have some time alone. So he loaned us his vehicle and let us stay at his camp by ourselves. We both really think of that as our honeymoon. Many years he let us bring our 3 children up in the summer and stay in his camp. It was probably the only way we could have afforded a vacation. There are just too many wonderful things that he did. He will truly be missed by our family.
Nancy Dickson
Carleton, MI
I feel very fortunate to have known Harold, for many years. AT Mead,where many years ago,He always had time for us (then) young guys. He was a very hard working man-who took great pride in doing a good job. A very ,always pleasent man with a quiet nature to him. He was ready to give a helping hand or share his knowledge with any one that would approach him. You could not help admiring and likeing Harold Wilson. I also became reacqainted with Harold after he was living at Christian Park Health Center(where my mom resided also) Even at the Health care center-Harold continued being what he always was: A polite,ever caring helping man. He will be forever missed by not only his family,but by we,his friends & one time co-workers. “He was and is quite a gentleman,friend and all around nice person.” Our thoughts and prayers and sympathy go out to all his family and relatives at this difficult time.
Sincerley,
Tom & Sue Standing
Escanaba, MI
He always made us feel so welcome,when we came up there. I remember that we took them up to Pictured Rocks (87) to go on a boat tour and he accidentally went into the women’s john. He told us he looked down when he was in the bathroom, saw high heels and a dress and thought there are some strange men in here. I always enjoyed his stories. I love all the memories that he made for us.While I was growing up,we would go up north and stay at Uncle Had’s cabin. It was always the highlight of my year. Uncle Had was one of my favorite Uncles. He was a joy to be around and always brought a smile to your face.
Jamie Lyn Stanton (niece)
Wayne, MI