Darrell G. Wilson, 60, Wabasha
Darrell G. Wilson, age 60, of Wabasha, passed away after a short bout with cancer early Thursday, December 24, 2015 at St. Elizabeth’s Nursing Home in Wabasha with his family at his side.
He was born February 27, 1955 in Wabasha, MN, the son of Clifford and Elizabeth (Drees) Wilson. He graduated from St. Felix Elementary School in 1969 and Wabasha High School in 1973. He enlisted in the U. S. Army September 24, 1973, serving one year in Korea and then stateside, receiving his honorable discharge in 1976. He later attended Rochester Vo-Tech, receiving a two year degree in Building Utilities and Boilers Licensing in 1982. He then attended Winona Vo-Tech and received a two year degree in welding in 1985. He worked for different companies for six years using both of his degrees. In the early 1990’s, he obtained his CDL and went over the road trucking for different construction and farming companies. He spent six and a half years working for McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing of Dodge Center as a truck deliverer. He then continued to work at other trucking companies until he retired in 2010 as a disabled veteran at the age of 55. Darrell was a member of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
Prior to and since Darrell’s retirement, he volunteered at SEMCAC delivering Meals on Wheels. He also drove and assisted numerous veterans, the elderly and disabled persons to their appointments, shopping, and social events. He was very generous with his time for those in need. He was a special, loving and gentle man. He will be greatly missed.
Darrell had several hobbies: photography, fishing, collecting coins and stamps, building models, gambling, playing cards and pool, and feeding the animals. He loved traveling, going several times to places like Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, the Bahamas and all throughout Europe. His best love was visiting with his immediate family, his nieces and nephews, his aunts and uncles, his numerous cousins and other relatives, and his many friends.
He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Wilson, Wabasha, MN; sisters and brothers, Anita (Paul) Schouweiler, Kasson, MN, Gerauld (Cecilia) Wilson, Miami, FL, Mary (Bill) Murphy, Wabasha, MN, Patricia (Gordon) Rolle, Freeport, Bahamas, Sue Cotton (Mark Crozier), South St. Paul, MN, Dennis Wilson (Shelly Thurber), Wabasha, MN; 12 nieces and nephews; nine great-nieces and great-nephews, four step-great-nieces and step-great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Wilson, nephew, Christian Villalobos and infant great-nephew, Baby Schouweiler.
A memorial Mass was held on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at 11:00am at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center Chapel, 1200 5th Grant Blvd. W., Wabasha, MN, with the Reverend Father James Russell officiating. Interment was in St. Felix Cemetery. Military rites were performed by the Wabasha American Legion Post #50, the Burkhardt-Roemer VFW Post #4086 and the MNARNG Honor Guard. Honorary bearers were his nieces and nephews: Chris Schouweiler, Jeff Schouweiler, Buddy, Megan, and Erin Murphy, Laurie Young, Virginia Pinder, Anthony and Daniel Rolle, Jamal Cotton, and Carly and Nickolus Wilson. Family and friends called at the Abbott Funeral Home in Wabasha on Monday, December 28, 2015, from 4-7pm and at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center Chapel on Tuesday one hour before the service. The celebration of Darrell’s life continued at the Burkhardt-Roemer VFW Club, 138 2nd St. E., Wabasha, MN, following the interment. Condolences may be sent to 812 Gambia Ave., Wabasha, MN 55981. The Abbott Funeral Home of Wabasha was in charge of arrangements. www.abbottfh.com
