John Wilson
John “Jack” G. Wilson, 91, of Staples, passed away July 19, 2023 at the Little Falls Care Center in Little Falls.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 27 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Lunch will be served following the service.
Burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.
Jack was born June 3, 1932, in Torrington, CT to William H. and Ethel (Alcott) Wilson. He was raised in Fairfield, CT and graduated from Roger Ludlowe High School. He attended the University of CONN and entered the United States Air Force in 1951. He graduated from Florida State University and was a member of Delta Gamma Sigma, an honorary business fraternity. While stationed in Alaska, he met the love of his life, Louise Anderson. They were married in 1957.
He attended the Aviation Cadet Program, graduating in 1954 as a 2nd Lieutenant pilot. Jack spent his career in various flying and staff positions serving in Alaska, Delaware, Washington, Florida, Vietnam, Massachusetts and Texas. His awards included the Air Medal with Cluster, Air Force Commendation with Medal Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Jack retired as a Major in 1971 with over 7,000 flying hours.
After retirement, he and his family moved to Staples to operate and co-own DJ’s Men’s Wear, with Doug Anderson, until 1991.
Jack served in numerous public and service organizations including Mayor of Staples from 1976-1994, Lions Club President, Chamber of Commerce President, the Staples Technical College Advisory Board, was a member Masonic Lodge #207, the VFW Post #1910, American Legion Post #70 Commander, the Staples Area Men’s Chorus, member of the Brainerd Dispatch Advisories Board and the Staples Community Foundation Board. He received the Lions Club Melvin Jones Fellow Award and the Helen Keller Sight Award. Jack received the Duane R. Lund Award for lifetime achievement given through the Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation.
He is survived by one son, Craig “DJ” (Sheryl) Wilson, Staples; one daughter, Kristy (Ken) Jedinak, Nisswa; five grandchildren, Jessi (Jeremy) Weinhandl, Baxter, Jason (Beth) Gustason, Pillager, Cory Wilson, Staples, Blair (PJ) Klemens, Elk River, Bo (Emily) Jedinak, Baxter; eight great- grandchildren and one sister-in-law, Carol (Tom) Cross of Wichita Falls, TX.
Jack was proceeded in death by his wife, Louise, and his parents.
The family requests Memorials be made to Minnesota Lions Eye Bank and the Staples Veterans Park.
Arrangements are by Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.
w31c A00006B2023JY26
