It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald E Wilson. a beloved husband, father and grandfather. At the age of 89 Don peacefully passed away on October 17, 2024 surrounded by his family,
Surviving family members: Daughters Dawn (Cris) Lewis of Waterford, MI, Deb Wittke of Lapeer, MI, Doreen (Charlie) Zaffer of Fenton, MI and son Donald R Wilson (Deb) of Christiana, TN. Grandchildren Ron (Carolyn) Haralabakos, Shawn (Mike) Rodriquez, Kacey Lewis, Nicole (Jeremy) Wheaton, Douglas (Jaimie) Meyers, Derrick (Katie) Meyers, Cody (Chanel Rene) Wilson and Brandi (Richard) Guyzik. Great grandchildren Katelyn, Colin, Regan, Ally, Michael, Matthew, Bella, Nora, Marlee, Jaxon, Hazel, Olive, Nora, Theo, Ethan, Memphis, Bella and Brooklyn. Niece Barbara Shippert Freil and several other nieces and nephews.
Predeceased family members: Father Eustace Wilson and mother Mabel Wilson, loving wife Mary Alice Wilson, twin brother Richard, sisters Phyllis, Alice, Margaret, Betty, grandsons Ryan Ohman and Brian Zaffer.
Don always worked hard and taught his children how to do the same. At one point, following his sister Betty, he purchased a farm and moved his family to Onamia MN. Teaching all his kids the importance of farming, taking care of the animals, the equipment, what it takes to actually put the food on the table. The problem with that was, Don was still a trucker at heart and while still following his passion of driving truck he left his "city born and raised" wife to run the farm and raise his four children. As you guessed it, that only lasted a few years but gave them all experiences that they will never forget. Being a truck driver he missed a lot of birthdays and celebrations but when he was home he wanted his kids home ( you know, to change the channel, get him a beer)
Don always did what it took to support his family. Although he held serval jobs throughout the years (Bus driver, farmer, bartender) driving truck was always his passion. He started his first company Northwest Moving and Storage in 1969. Mary ran the office and Don ran the trucks. At one point Don owned a fleet of 10 trucks. He worked well into his 80's and thought one of his greatest accomplishments was that he had "over 3 million miles under his belt" He is proud that two of his grandchildren followed in his footsteps.
Hobbies: Wood working, crafts, Don always had something on the burner to occupy his free time. At 86 Don started cooking and baking to be able to help take care of his wife Mary, he enjoyed trying to make some of her favorite recipes!
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