Stonington, MI
Richard Eugene Wilson, 95, of Stonington, passed away Tuesday morning May 23, 2017 at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba where he was currently residing for the past 2 months.
Richard was born November 17, 1921 in Jenera, OH the son of Alpha and Zelma (Grieser) Wilson. He was raised on the family farm in Ohio before serving his country in the U.S. Army with the 123rd Field Artillery Battalion during WW II. Richard was stationed in Himeji, Japan where he supervised the salvage of clothing and equipment. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sgt. in 1946 with the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal. He returned to Ohio where he worked on the family farm until 1966 when he moved to Stonington. Richard worked various jobs in the area. Following his retirement he was a carriage driver on Mackinac Island for several years. He was always proud that his working career began and ended with working with horses.
Richard was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Stonington and the Rapid River American Legion Post #301. His hobbies included wood and leather working.
He had a great love of horses and beagles. He would never turn down a good piece of pie. Richard treasured spending time with his family and drinking coffee with his friends.
Survivors include:
Children:
Shirley (Keith) Olson of Daggett
James (Ruth) Wilson of Ensign
Jerome (Mary) Wilson of Ensign
Jesse (Leslie King) Wilson of Stonington
Joseph Wilson of Stonington
Sharon (Ken Kuehl) Hughes of Flat Rock
Susan (Bill Pratt) Wilson of Crivitz, WI
Jared (Ruth) Wilson of Carney, MI
10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren with 3 more on the way, and nieces and nephews also survive.
Special friends: Bob Breault, Richard Elsessor, Bob Nachtwey and John Sherwin
In addition to his parents, his sister’s Lutheria Hartman and Mildred Boehm preceded Richard in death.
Richard’s family will receive friends on Saturday May 27, 2017 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Stonington. Funeral services celebrating the life of Richard E. Wilson will follow at 12:30 pm with Rev. Diane Srutowski officiating. Luncheon will follow at the Bay De Noc Township Hall. Graveside services with military rites conducted by the Rapid River American Legion Post #301 will follow at 3:15 pm at the Bay De Noc Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Richard may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church or to U.P. Honor Flight. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the family.
Vicki Adkins - Gladstone, MI
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to know Mr. Wilson. For quite some time I would deliver meals to him when he lived in Stonington. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about his interesting life and giving his sweet little beagle (Lily) pats on the head and treats.
I saw him again occasionally after he moved to Gladstone and he always remembered me as the lady who loved his dog. Well, I was very fond of him, too. What a nice man.
Jim Spallinger - Bluffton, Oh
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your Father. We have lots of fond memories from many years ago when we were neighbors at Jenera. Especially when we used to make maple syrup with the draft horses. I still have the quiver for my arrows and the cow horn for BB’s that Richard made for me some 52+ years ago. I know Dad and Mom (David & Marilyn) really appreciated his visits when he would come back to Ohio to visit family and friends. If you ever get back to this area please feel free to stop in, we would love to see you. Again we are sorry about your loss and may God Bless you all.
Jim Spallinger
Lydia Seely - Powers, MI
Dear Sue and Family,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Please give me a call (906) 497-5594 if you need anything during his time.
Your Friend,
Lydia Seely
Jerome and Betty Glick - Jenera, OH
Dear Family,
You have our sincere sympathy in the death of your Dad. I always appreciated him and the last time I had the privilege of speaking with him was after the dedication of St. Paul’s new building in September 2013. I always wondered what the driving force was that enabled him and your Mom to pull up stakes in Van Buren Township, Hancock County, OH and move to Upper Michigan. Most of you do not remember us, but we remember most of you. May our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, fill you with His love, joy and peace at this difficult time in your lives.
With blessings and love,
Jerome and Betty Glick
Richard Elsesser - Owosso, Mi
I found a friend in Richard when I moved to the U P in 2004. He invited me into his home, and life, with a warm cup of coffee, and spirited conversation around his kitchen table, next to his wood cook stove. For a “back woods” man of years, he kept a keen eye on world events, and was always ready to discuss ways we could “fix” the world. We rapidly discovered our mutual interest, and love, for working horses, and shared our experiences, and journals. His wood working and leather work inspired me to attempt new hobbies, and craft’s, and learn new skills.
I came into Richard’s life with him in his 80’s, so never knew the younger man. The man I knew was kind, and thoughtful, and gentle.
Richard was one of the reasons I continued to return to Stonington each year. He always welcomed me into his home as if we had just had coffee a few days ago, and needed to complete that last debate. I will miss him.
Vera Sheets - Arlington, oh
Dear Wilson family,
Sending our sympathy and celebrating the life of Richard!! Probably 40 or so years ago he drove us around Mackinac Island and
we so enjoyed his company. He was one of my dad (Carl Wilson) ‘s favorite people to talk with. I believe he made a trip or so
to northern Michigan to visit. Please know we are thinking of you and sending love and prayers.
Wayne and Vera Jean (Wilson) Sheets
Vera Sheets - Arlington, oh
Dear Wilson family,
Sending our sympathy and celebrating the life of Richard!!! Probably 40 years or so he drove us around Mackinac Island and we
so enjoyed his company. He was one of my dad (Carl Wilson)’s favorite people to talk with. I believe he made a trip or two to
northern Michigan to visit. Please know we are thinking of you and sending love and prayers.
Wayne and Vera Jean (Wilson) Sheets
Vicki Adkins - Gladstone, MI
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to know Mr. Wilson. For quite some time I would deliver meals to him when he lived in Stonington. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about his interesting life and giving his sweet little beagle (Lily) pats on the head and treats.
I saw him again occasionally after he moved to Gladstone and he always remembered me as the lady who loved his dog. Well, I was very fond of him, too. What a nice man.
Gary Dregney - Mondovi,, Wi
MmWas so sorry to hear of Richards passing,he was such a nice guy and a good friend of mine,we had many good times on Mackinac island,in fact he visited me here in Mondovi and even stayed overnight,I had been to his place in Stonington a couple times on the way to the island,he would do anything for anybody..May he rest in peace..Gary Dregney,Mondovi,Wi..54755