Richard Eugene Wilson, 95, passed away on a Tuesday morning, at the Bishop Noa Home where he had resided for two months.

Richard was the son of Alpha and Zelma (Grieser) Wilson. He was born, at home, in the farm house where he and Ruth lived, about 2 1/2 miles, southwest of Jenera, a very small village in Ohio and does not have a hospital in it. He was raised on the family farm in Ohio.

He served his country in the U.S. Army with the 123rd Field Artillery Battalion during World War II. Richard was stationed in Himeji, Japan, where he supervised the salvage of clothing and equipment. He was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in 1946 with the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal.

He returned to Ohio where he worked on the family farm until 1966 when he moved to Stonington.

Richard married Ruth O. Bormuth, a neighbor girl who lived in the county, about two miles from Richard. She was the daughter of Oliver & Alma (Schaller) Bormuth. They were married, in Ruth's home church, Trinity Lutheran Church in Jenera, Ohio on December 11, 1947. Four of their eight children were born in Ohio and the last four were born in the UP of Michigan. Richard and Ruth were later divorced after moving to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan. 

Richard worked various jobs in the area. Following his retirement he was a carriage driver on Mackinac Island for several years. He was always proud that his working career began and ended with working with horses.

Richard was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Stonington and the Rapid River American Legion Post 301. His hobbies included wood and leather-working.

He had a great love of horses and beagles. He would never turn down a good piece of pie. Richard treasured spending time with his family and drinking coffee with his friends.

Survivors include: children, Shirley (Keith) Olson, James (Ruth) Wilson, Jerome (Mary) Wilson, Jesse (Leslie King) Wilson, Joseph Wilson, Sharon (Ken Kuehl) Hughes, Susan (Bill Pratt) Wilson, and Jared (Ruth) Wilson; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren with three more on the way; nieces and nephews also survive; and special friends, Bob Breault, Richard Elsessor, Bob Nachtwey and John Sherwin.

In addition to parents; sisters, Lutheria Hartman and Mildred Boehm, preceded Richard in death.

Visitation at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Stonington and funeral services with Rev. Diane Srutowski officiating. Graveside services with military rites by the Rapid River American Legion Post 301 at the Bay De Noc Township Cemetery. Assisted by the Skradski Family Funeral Homes.