Obituary of William (Bill) Roy Wilson

William (Bill) Roy Wilson, lifetime Duluth resident, passed away March 18 at Villa Maria Nursing Home in Fargo, North Dakota. He was born in Duluth on October 10, 1929 to Roy and Evelyn Wilson. Bill graduated from Central High School in 1948. He worked at Zalk Josephs and Elliott Meat Packing Plant where he met and married his wife Jeanette in 1953. He joined the Minnesota National Guard in 1947 and was located at the 94th Armory. In 1954, he became a permanent duty employee for the National Guard. He was a Warrant Officer from 1967-1977 and retired from the guard in 1985 as Master Sergeant. He was an avid bowler for over 30 years, helped create a his and her softball league, coached Little League Baseball for 20 years, Jr. League Hockey for many years and helped originate the Jr. League B Team Football League, which he also coached. He was a member of the Gary New Duluth Community Club, American Legion Post #71, an honorary member of VFW Post #6320, a member of the Moose Lodge #1478 and a member of the Morley Siders Club of Hunters Park. After retiring from the military, he drove school bus for Independent School District #709, part-time for three years. Bill loved wintering in Arizona, spending time at his cabin in Wisconsin, fishing, hunting and being with his family and friends. He will be sadly missed. He is survived by sons Bill (Helen), Paul (Pam) and daughter Claudia (Brent) Kauth. He is greatly loved by his six grandchildren: Alyssa, Lauryn, Adam, Michael, Andy and Katie, and his four great grandchildren: Eloise, Thomas, Madison and Lincoln, plus many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, of 65 years, Jeanette (Jan), father Roy, mother Evelyn and brother Robert (Bob). A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, March 26 from 10:00-12:00 pm at the Cremation Society of Minnesota located at 4100 Grand Avenue in Duluth. A brief service and military honors ceremony will take place at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Diabetes Association.