Richard N. Wilson

On March 26, 2025, Richard Neil Wilson, Sr., "Rich," surrounded by his family, went home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and into the arms of his loving wife of 65 years, Lois Nancy, awaiting him in heaven.
He was born a farmer's son to the late Roscoe "Rock" and Pearl (Benoit) Wilson on October 22, 1931, in Wabeno, WI. He loved to walk in the woods and amongst the rocks of the family farm in Mountain, WI, looking for a gold mine or to fish down by the creek for trout. He graduated from Suring High School in 1949.
He regularly went to church being taught the Word of God and how to be saved by the Reverend Neil Martin who would become his grandfather-in-law when he married the girl of his dreams, Lois (Harrison) on June 6, 1953 at Northwoods Fellowship Church in Mountain.
Together they raised five children. In 1970 the family moved to Pound, WI to a new farm to be closer to his work as a tool and die maker at Patz Corporation.
After the children had left home, Rich and Lois moved to Barneveld, WI in 1985. While there he put his tool and die maker skills to work at Placon Corporation in Fitchburg, WI while also running, "The Garden Bed and Breakfast," out of their home.
Following his retirement, they moved back north to Marinette, WI. A stroke required him to begin walking and while in the mall Rich saw a sign advertising for a maintenance worker at Walmart and thought, "If I have to walk around, why not get paid to do it?" And so he did, faithfully, for another 20 years until retiring once again at 90 years young.
Richard loved God, his wife and family, friends, co-workers and showed kindness to all those who crossed his path. Allis Chalmers were his tractors, the Packers his team and he enjoyed dogs, frogs, old cars, fishing, gardening, and going on the hunt for antiques and attending musical concerts.
Quiet and somewhat shy, Rich made himself known through his hard work ethic, problem-solving skills and selfless acts of generosity. His faith in Jesus, and his strong morals that were softened by his wit and humor, touched countless lives as seeds of kindness planted deeply bringing forth the growth of goodness and love.
He never found the gold mine he had searched for but instead gifted the world with the treasure of his life. Gone from this world but forever in heaven and our hearts.
"A farmer who plants few seeds will have a small harvest, while a farmer who plants many seeds will have a big harvest." Corinthians 9:6
Richard Neil Wilson is survived by his precious children, Lois Nancy (James) Zill, Richard Neil Jr. (Chietina) Wilson, Larry Ray (Sherrie) Wilson, Cindy Lynn (Mark) Metzler, and Carol Lucia Wilson. Cherished grandchildren, Jason Zill, Brad (Kristin) Washuleski, Richard Neil Wilson III aka Buddy, Kristina (Corey) Edwards, CJ Chiefe, Jeanette Harley, Matthew Wilson, Andrew (Courtney) Metzler, Crystal (Charlie) Cooperman, and Seth Nelson. Adored great grandchildren, Shane and Grant Harley, Evelyn and Cora Edwards, Asher and William Cooperman, Maxwell and Oliver Washuleski, Beckett Metzler, and Irene Zill.
Sister-in-law, Betty Harrison, Brother, David (Patsy) Wilson, numerous but no less special nieces, nephews and Wilson, Nelson, Benoit and Harrison family members. His best friend Tess and family Anne, Jasmen, James, Jianna, extra special children, Rick, Wataru, Gracie, Jessica and Lucy, dear neighbors, the Breuer family, Lynda Bahde, not only his health practitioner but friend, Maggie Faccio and all those who crossed his path in the places he worked, went to church and lived his life here on earth.
Richard was preceded in death by his dear loving wife Lois, his father and mother, Roscoe "Rock" and Pearl Wilson, sister, Jeanette (Bob) Nelson, brother, Ronald Wilson, nephew, Kyle Wilson, great granddaughter, Amelia Zill, his father-in-law, Myron Shook Harrison, mother-in-law, Helen "Sally" Harrison, sister-in-law, Carol Lynn Harrison, and brother-in-law, Myron "Mike" Harrison.
A special thank you to Pastor DeCleene and the Twin Cities Baptist Church family for food and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics or WRVM Radio.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 05, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Twin Cities Baptist Church of Marinette, WI. Funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Matthew DeCleene officiating. A meal will follow the service. Interment will be at Lakewood Forest Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hansenonionmartell.com