Ronald Wilson

Ronald Thompson Wilson, 79, died unexpectedly from natural causes at his home in Atwater on Monday, June 4th, 2018. Up until his last breath, Ron lived a full, happy and busy life.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Ron will be held on Sunday, June 10, from 1:00-4:00 PM, with a time of sharing at 2:00, at the American Legion in Willmar, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Vietnam Veterans of America (vva.org). Ron's remains will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Ron was born March 17, 1939, in Georgetown, Delaware, to Marshall and Ethel (Thompson) Wilson. After graduating from Georgetown High School, Ron joined the US Army. He served his country for over 20 years as a Green Beret in the Special Forces and as an Army recruiter, among other duties. Upon that retirement, Ron embarked on a 20-year career with the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Department as a jailer and then Chief Administrator. In 1963, while stationed in Bad Toltz, Germany, Ron met the great love of his life, Inge, and they were married soon after. Inge was holding Ron's hand when he left this world. Over the years, Ron was stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Mandan, North Dakota; Bad Toltz, Germany and Willmar, Minnesota. Ron was wounded and received a Purple Heart while serving in Vietnam.

Ron spent his retirement doing what he loved. His gardens were enormous, weed-free and plentiful. He was so generous with his bounties, sharing with so many. Spending time with other veterans at the Willmar American Legion, whether working or just talking, was fulfilling and special to him. Visiting Delaware for domino games with his siblings and long visits at Wilson's Store were a highlight of his life. Ron loved to spend time with his family, no matter what the occasion. From the beaches of Cancun, to the living room floor playing Catchphrase, Poppop always had his family in fits of laughter. Time spent with his grandchildren, passing along his stories and jokes, kept Ron young. There was never a dull moment when Poppop was around; no one enjoyed giggling more than him.

Ron is survived by Inge, his loving wife of 54 years; daughter Diane Studer, son-in-law Ron (with daughter Rachelle and son Brett) and granddaughter Isabella; daughter Donna Erickson, son-in-law Grant, granddaughter Alexa (and David) and grandson Rodney; daughter Dana Smith, son-in-law Brad, and grandsons Mitchell and Marshall. Ron is also survived by his brothers, Richard (Joan), Robert, James (Lynette) and Kenneth (Debby) and his loving sister Joan Hitchens (Roland), all of Delaware. Also surviving Ron is Inge's sister, Hilde, and her family in Germany. Ron will be greatly missed by countless cousins, nieces, nephews and friends that will remember his constant laughter and unyielding kindness.

Ron was preceded in death by his beloved youngest brother Rodney, parents, niece Debbie and sisters-in-law, Betty Jo and Barbara.

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