October 10, 2006 at 1:05 p.m.
Robert J. Wilson
Robert J. Wilson
Age 69 years
The funeral for long time Chisago Lakes teacher, Robert J. (Bob) Wilson, of Lindstrom, Minn., will be held Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006, at St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church, in Lindstrom, Minn.
Born July 3, 1937, in Rochester, Minn., he graduated from Rochester Lourdes High School in 1955, where he played in two Minnesota State Catholic High School Basketball Tournaments in 1954 and 1955. He also attended Rochester Junior College in 1955-56 and 1956-57 and played in the Minnesota State Junior College Basketball Championship in 1956.
Mr. Wilson graduated from Mankato State College in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He also received National Science Foundation grants for summer graduate courses at the University of Iowa, Macalester College, Carlton College and also attended Graduate School at the University of Minnesota, St. Cloud State College, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Winona State College and St. Thomas College.
He taught school for just over 36 years, in five decades, at Chisago City and Chisago Lakes Area Schools before becoming disabled in November of 1994.
Mr. Wilson had over 5,000 students go through his classes, averaging 143 students per year for 36 years. He received the Chisago Lakes Jaycee Teacher of the Year award in 1971. During his time at Chisago City and Chisago Lakes Schools he worked with five superintendents and 10 principals.
Mr. Wilson was a life member of the National Education Association and the Minnesota Education Association and over the years had taught General Science, Physical Science, Biology and Earth Science. He served as District Wide Audio Visual Director for 23 years and also served as Summer School Director at Chisago Lakes for three years.
He coached 7th, 8th and 9th grade boys basketball for 15 years and varsity-junior varsity girls basketball for one year at Chisago Lakes. He also directed the Chisago City Science Club and Science Fairs from 1963 through 1969.
For four years he was the Secretary of LARA (Lakes Area Recreation Association) and a member of the LARA Hockey Board for six years.
Mr. Wilson was a charter member of the Chisago Lakes Ambulance Rescue Service, which started active service in July of 1970. He was president of the Rescue Service during the years 1971 through 1973 and vice president in 1974. He is credited with developing the Rescue Service into full operation.
On June 3, 1967, he and Lindstrom native Susan Margaret Andrews were married in Lindstrom where they lived all their married life. In addition to his wife of 39 years, survivors include three sons: Mark J. III (Theresa) Wilson and daughter, Kansas, of Lindstrom; Tom (Gale) Wilson and children: Jon, Jade and Teagan, of Lindstrom; Steve (Jina) Wilson and children: Kiersten and Kade of Forest Lake; and daughters: Anne (Ed) White and children: Brianna, Devin, Cameryn and Dayton, of Amery, Wis.; and Susanna (Jeremy) Witkowski, of North Branch, Minn.
He is also survived by one sister, Ruth Wilson, of Cannon Falls, Minn.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mark J. and Ida I. Wilson; and brothers: Mark J. Wilson II and Richard D.; and sisters: Dorothy J. Wilson and Elizabeth M. (Bette) Vaccaro.
Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golfing and rooting for the Twins and Yankees. His passions and hobbies included feeding the birds, yard work, his pontoon boat he proudly named the “RJW,” his dogs, being involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s sports and activities, and working on his video tape collection. He was an avid WWII history scholar; his book, video and memorabilia collection confirm that. He loved Big Band music, especially Glenn Miller.
He commented on being so proud of and fortunate to have his kids and grandkids. He said he would not have been able to provide for his children without the love and support of his dear wife, Susan.
He will always be remembered for his practical jokes and humor, along with his love of talking with beloved friends, neighbors and family. What a trip Dad . . . thanks for the ride.
Friends may call from 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2006, at the Grandstand Funeral Home, in Lindstrom, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006, at St. Bridge of Sweden Catholic Church, in Lindstrom. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery, in Lindstrom, following the service at the church.
Memorials may be sent to Fairview Lakes Hospice and the American Cancer Society.
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