Donald Kenneth Wilson passed away comfortably on February 27, 2010 at
Glacial
Ridge
Hospital
in
Glenwood
,
MN
Donald Kenneth Wilson, son of Charles and Louise (Burmeister) Wilson, was born March 1, 1917 in
Iona
,
MN
. He grew up in
Slayton
,
MN
. Upon graduation from high school he joined the CCC, where he served for 2 years in the Ely area. In 1937, Don joined the Navy serving 8 years. He served on the USS Enterprise. He received an Honorable Discharge on December 22, 1945. Upon returning to
Minnesota
he attended Ag School in Morris.
While on military leave he met Nadine E. Lundquist and they were married on January 1, 1944 in
Brunswick
, GA. They made their home on a farm near
Hancock
,
MN
. Three children were born to this union. Nadine contracted polio and died November 11, 1948. Don remarried 2 years later to Minnie Hannah Stettner on October 25, 1950. They continued to farm in Hancock. A set of twins were born on December 16, 1951. Complications arose and one twin did not survive.
When Don retired from the farm he obtained employment at the
University
of
Minnesota Morris
. When Minnie developed health problems, he retired to take care of her and moved to
Alexandria
,
MN
. Minnie passed away February 10, 1984. While in
Alexandria,
he took a course from
Liberty
Baptist
Bible
School
.
Don moved to
Cleveland
,
Tennessee
shortly after Minnie’s passing. He lived in
Tennessee
for 18 years. Don was always one to keep his mind active. He took Spanish classes and wanted to move to
McAllen
,
Texas
where he could reach the Hispanic people with the gospel. He decided he couldn’t speak the language fluently enough, so he was not able to fulfill his missionary dreams.
He returned to
Minnesota
2 years ago and lived in Morris. Some of Don’s favorite activities included farming and spending time with his family, but the thing he found most rewarding in life was his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. His regular routine included waking up early getting his McDonald’s coffee and driving his purple PT Cruiser to the neighboring towns checking on crops and farming activities.
He is survived by his children: Nancy Roles of Bloomington, David (Marty) Wilson of Renville and Orrin (Karen) Wilson of Hancock; five grandchildren: Melissa (Jon) Reynolds, Jon Roles, Sara Wilson, Amy (Shane) Shornock, Eric (Janae) Wilson, and eleven great-grandchildren: Kaitlin and Megan Roles, Tanner, Tate and Greta Coudron, Josiah, Arianna and Abigail Shornock, Taylor, Sean and Alexis Wilson.
He is preceded in death by his two wives Nadine and Minnie; two daughters: Romily Cassida and Corlene Wilson; two granddaughters: Kari Roles and Kari Wilson; his parents; two sisters: Gertrude Webster and Mildred Leske and three brothers: Edward, Philip and Aaron Wilson.
Pallbearers for the service are: Jon Roles, Jon Reynolds, Shane Shornock, Eric Wilson, Nathan Burmeister and Dean Gades.
Jenny Mecklenburg will serve as organist for the service, with Julie Cox serving as soloist.
Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.
