Wilson, John W. 1941 - 2006

WILSON KAPLER CENEK, MILLER GUNDERSON

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 3/25/2012 at 10:30:25

John W. Wilson died on Thursday, April 6, 2006, at the farm while working with his son at the job he loved the most.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, April 10, 2006 at the Congregational Church in Cresco, with burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Pastor Tim Sir along with Pastors Phil and Ginny Olson will officate. Visitation will be held at the funeral home in Cresco from 3 P.M. until 7 P.M. on Sunday April 9, and one hour prior to services on Monday at the church.

John was born on January 19, 1941, in Cresco, Iowa the son of Earl W. and Caroline B. (Kapler) Wilson. He attended rural school until finishing the 8th grade and graduated from Cresco High School. He farmed his whole life, milking cows, training horses and crop farming. He was a dealer for Wilson Seeds and thus was able to have the sign that graces the driveway at the farm. He also was a representative for Archer Oil. In the fall, he loved to drag the thrasing machine out of the shed and thrash oats. For a short time back in the early sixty's he worked for Donaldson's but could not stand to be closed in. He quit to go back farming, because of his great love for animals and the farm life.

John was married to Linda Cenek on September 18, 1970 in Cresco, Iowa. To this union a son, Patrick, was born Linda died on October 16, 1995.
John married Rheta Gunderson Miiller on April 19, 1998 at Orleans Lutheran Church in rural Ridgeway and it was like heaven all over again.

John was a member of the First Congregational Church, where he was a Moderator at church for many years. He was active in the Farm Service Agency for 32 years, serving as a Field Reporter starting in 1965, and serving on the farmer elected Community Committee and County Cmmiettee starting in 1973.

He was currently the Chairperson on the Howard County PSA Committee. He was a member of UAW Retirees of Donaldson Company, and was a long time member of the Royal Neighbors.

John loved animals and antique machinery. He loved to dance and hardly missed a dance once he got there. He especially like to dance to "Waltz Across Texas". He was a great friend to the Amish, especially the family milking for him in Granger. Many considered John their friend, but John considered everyone his friend. He enjoyed going to the Sale Barn every Monday, to have coffee, having lunch, and also to attend the sales. He loved to visit with the many friends that came to the sales, so this would mean going sometimes three time on one day.
John enjoyed life, always smiled and had a humerous little story to tell most he met.

He is survived by his wife Rheta; one son, Pat, Rheta's children: Becky ( Pat) Gooder, Michael (Donna) Miller and Steve Miller, all of Cresco; 5 grandchldren; one brother, Henry "Hank" (Phylls) of Tuscon, AZ, and one sister, Bonnie Kukral of Waverly, IA; several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

His parents, first wife, Linda, and one brother, Dr. Tom Wilson, preceded him in death.