December 27 1928 May 12 2020
Herbert’s Obituary Big Rapids – Herbert William Wilson, 91, of Big Rapids, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at The Brook in Big Rapids. He was born December 27, 1928, in Lakeview, MI, the son of Malcom and Tressie (McCall) Wilson. When Herb was two years old, the family moved to Big Rapids. At age four, Herb’s father passed away, and his mother later married Daniel Worth. While attending EKC school, Herb also worked for Eara Farmers, was a bellman at the Best Western Hotel in downtown Big Rapids, and delivered the Pioneer newspaper. At age 16 Herb joined the Michigan State Troops, Company D, located in Big Rapids. In 1945 he joined the Army Air Corp and did his basic training in San Antonio, TX. He was later transferred to Scott Field in Illinois, where he went to lineman’s school to learn how to install and maintain military telephone and telegraph wire systems. In 1947 Herb was sent to Okinawa, Japan to continue to be a linesman, and was honorably discharged from the service in 1949. Herb returned to Big Rapids, and enrolled in Ferris State Institute in the Radio and TV program, receiving his certificate in 1951. Over the years he maintained equipment for Wolverine World Wide, Big Rapids Hospital, Metron, and retired as groundsman at Ferris State University in 1989. Herb was formerly a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, and in his spare time he loved to hunt and fish. On March 18, 1950, Herb married Mary Arlene Johansen, who preceded him in death in 2019. He is survived by their daughter Diana (Herm) McConnell of Big Rapids; 3 grandchildren, Kim (Tim) Nickols, Angela Gibbs, and Jeff (Elisha) McConnell; 7 great-grandchildren, Amber and Jacob Parrish, Hannah and Zachary Gibbs, Christopher and Michael McConnell, and Laurel Stemick; his sister Helen Dennis; several nieces and nephews; his sisters-in-law, Ida Mae Maneke, Josephine Ottobre, Ruth (Don) McCarthy, Barb (Glen) Dalton, and Betty Johansen; and brothers-in-law, Sonny (Betty) Johansen, Glen Johansen, Charles (Judy) Johansen, and Floyd (Mary) Johansen. Herb was also preceded in death by his sisters, Genevieve Bowman, Elsie Wilson, Lucille Baker, Leone Workinger and brothers David and Gordon Wilson. Per Herb’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial gathering will be held at a later date. He will be laid to rest next to his wife at Highland View Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for Spectrum Health Hospice. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Herbert William Wilson December 27 1928 May 12 2020.
Death notice for the town of: Big Rapids, state: Michigan