Wayne Donald Wilson

Wayne Donald Wilson, 68, of rural Dickens, died at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls on December 10, 2025.

Wayne was born on October 27, 1957, in Spencer, Iowa, the son of Donald and Stella Wilson.

He graduated from South Clay High School in 1976 and immediately began farming with his father south of Dickens in Clay County. He loved farming and lived on the same two places a mile apart for his entire life.

He worked side by side with his dad and his uncle Eddie Wilson for many years until taking over the family farm. His good friend Marv Smith was an important part of his operation. Wayne loved farming and had no plans to retire yet.

In addition to farming, Wayne worked in the Wilson Trucking and Shelling business when the family shelled thousands of bushels of corn for friends and neighbors. He also worked part time as a commercial truck driver for many years. He had many stories to tell about driving big rigs in cities and on bad roads. Wayne was a great driver, faithfully retrieving his sister Marilyn from airports when she flew back from California over the years.

Wayne’s favorite hobby was spending time with friends. He was a loyal member of his early morning American Classic Cafe breakfast group. From there he often stopped in at the Dickens Elevator coffee group to catch up with his long-time neighbors. During his free afternoons, he frequently met friends at the Family Table and often picked up dinner to take home. He said as long as there were restaurants, why would he want to cook? Friday and Saturday nights were often dinner out with good friends.

He was a devoted son to his mother and father, taking care of them in their older years. He worked diligently to help them with daily tasks to allow them to stay in their home as long as possible. He loved riding his ATV around the farm and on trips with friends. He also liked playing slot machines—especially when they paid off!

Wayne looked forward to driving to the Chicago suburbs twice a year to see his sisters, but after spending a few days there, he was always glad to return to the peacefulness of northwest Iowa.

He enjoyed having his sisters visit the farm, where they spent time together in the same house where they all grew up. He renamed it Wayne’s Bed and Breakfast and always had vacancies for Marilyn, Dorothy and Larry, complete with snacks ready for them on the kitchen island. He humored them and posed for their traditional pictures in the cornfields. He also enjoyed the visits of his nephews and their families. Many good times were had by all on the Wilson farm.

Left to cherish his memory are his sisters: Marilyn Wilson of Algonquin, Illinois, and Dorothy Dowell of Lakewood, Illinois, and his brother-in-law, Larry Dowell of Lakewood, Illinois. He is also survived by four nephews (“the boys”) who he was very proud of: Chad (DeAnna) Binder of San Antonio, TX; Todd (Meredith) Binder of Bethel, CT; Grant (Elizabeth) Binder of Washington, DC; and Ross Binder of Minneapolis, MN; and two great-nieces and four great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and many other family members and friends.

A celebration of life is planned for a later date.