Louis Roy Wilson, 07 Apr 1934 - 08 Oct 2017

WILSON, METTLER, CRESS, GARTNER, PETRAK, SMITH, WHETSTINE, EXLEY, VASQUEZ, SMITH OBRIEN

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 6/5/2018 at 14:45:34

Louis Roy Wilson was born April 7, 1934, in Richmond, California, the adopted son of Roy and Martha Wilson.

The Wilsons raised Louis on a farm in Delaware County, Iowa. As a boy, he took seriously his responsibilities as a Catholic altar server -- priests graded the servers' performance at every mass, and Louis competed for the highest ranking. At age 17, he joined the US Marine Corps to serve in the Korean War. During his two years positioned in Korea, he rose to the rank of sergeant, and endured the violent battle for Bunker Hill. "In those three days I think I got five years older," he wrote in a letter to his mother.

Louis returned to Iowa after the war, where he bought a brand new Ford Mainline. His snazzy car would draw the attention of a young woman named Sandra Mettler, sparking a conversation, and then a first date. Louis and Sandra's relationship would be sealed in marriage in November 1954 -- and that marriage would last nearly 63 years.

Their first child was born soon after, and four more would follow. Louis supported his fast-growing family by working as a machinist. As an adult, he remained devoted to his Catholic faith, frequently leading Rosary prayers before Mass. Throughout his life, Louis was a passionate conversationalist, happy to share his thoughts on history, gardening, or politics. He was always the first one to break into the pie after dinner. He would proudly tell anyone willing to listen about his five children, nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Louis died surrounded by his loving family on October 8, 2017.

Left to cherish his memory are children Christe Cress, Matthew Wilson, Peggy Gartner, Patti (Steph) Petrak, and Ann (Jay) Smith; and grandchildren Angela (Clint) Whetstine, Chad (Lisa) Wilson, Ryan Wilson, Mickey (Amber) Petrak, Jackie (Liz) Petrak, Sarah (Ian) Exley, Katie (Craig) Vasquez, Cassie (Luke) Smith O'Brien and Jake Smith. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sandra; parents Roy and Martha Wilson; and brother Lawrence Wilson.

He was dearly loved and will be forever missed.

A visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday, October 13, 2017 at Powell Funeral Home in Wellman, with a Rosary service starting at 4:00. A funeral mass with military honors will take place at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 210 11th St. Wellman, IA 52356. Memorials, if desired, may be directed to the family.

Powell Funeral Home
The Gazette, 11 Oct 2017, 10a [abbreviated]