Wilbur W. Wilson, 83
Wilbur W. Wilson, 83, of Owatonna, died on Oct. 28, 2008 at Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna. Wilbur donated his body to Mayo Clinic Anatomical Bequest program for medical research.
Wilbur was born Nov. 7, 1924 in Austin, the son of James and Nell (Woodard) Wilson. Wilbur graduated from Austin High School in 1942. Following high school, he enlisted in the Marines Corps. and served during World War II with the 2nd Marine Division on Tarawa, Saipan, Okinawa, Tinian and Japan. On May 15, 1948 Wilbur was united in marriage to Mary E. Chrz at Queen of Angels Church in Austin. Wilbur began his employment with the George A. Hormel Co. in Austin and served as a livestock buyer at various stations. Wilbur was transferred to the Owatonna livestock station in 1968 and continued to work with the company until his retirement in 1986. Wilbur was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Toys for Tots, the Steele County Historical Society, the American Legion and Western Fraternal Life (ZCBJ). He was also a member of the National Marines 2nd Division and the state chapter of the Marines 2nd Division. Wilbur enjoyed the outdoors, golfing, fishing, hunting, gardening and the Minnesota Vikings.
Willy was a hard working, proud Marine with a selfless giving nature and a strong dedication to his family. He is survived by his loving wife Mary of 60 years; their children: Stephen (Julie), Austin, Mary Jo (Mike), Owatonna, Patrick, Winona, Minn., Mark, Medford, Ann, Minnetonka, Minn., Tom (Dee Dee), Glennallen, Ark. and Gary (Jan) of Murdock, Minn.; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Viola Miller; sister-in-law, Darlene Wilson, and many nieces and nephews.
Wilbur is preceded in death by his parents: James and Nell; five brothers and five sisters.
An informal Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held Sunday Nov. 2, 2008 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Brick-Meger Funeral Home in Owatonna, Minn. with a brief prayer service at 3 p.m. followed by military honors rendered by the Steele County Funeral Unit.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Owatonna Homestead Hospice House, the Owatonna Library, or the Steele County Historical Society. For on-line condolences go to brick-megerfuneralhome.com