John B. Wilson's Obituary
John B. Wilson, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. He was born on May 1, 1941 to Emery and Edith (Baldon) Wilson in Valparaiso, IN. John was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He worked for himself and held numerous positions and owned many companies. He had worked for a steel mill, rug and carpet cleaners, he owned two pizza businesses, was a part of Talbert Trailer sales, was the inventor of Pelican Trolling Speedometer and PTC Trolling Plate and worked for VanGo. He was a faithful member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. John was a longtime member of Ducks Unlimited, the American Legion and VFW Post #8846. In John’s spare time he was an inventor and tinkerer at heart. He loved fishing, deer and duck hunting, but most of all loved family gatherings. On August 29, 1964 he married the former Rita Ann Folenga and she survives him along with his sons, John B. (Sheila) Wilson II, Andrew (Carri) Wilson, Michael (Tamara) Wilson; grandchildren, Alyssia (Chris) Kline, Clarisse Wilson, Abigail (Matthew) Steffelbach, Erica Wilson, Madeline Wilson, Jacqueline (Jeff) Reese, Michael Wilson; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and beloved cat, Buddy. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary (Harold) Windsor. VISITATION with John’s family will take place from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Friday, May 3, 2019 at The Walburn Chapel, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. with a ROSARY being prayed at 6:00 PM. A MEMORIAL MASS for John will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (239 W. Clay Ave.) with Rev. Fr. Matt Barnum presiding. Entombment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery. For a more lasting memory donations in John’s name can be made to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Feel free to share a memory with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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