Ellis Ray Wilson

Ellis Ray Wilson, 89, formerly of Neche, ND, passed into his Heavenly home on December 31, 2022.

Ray was born in Hoople, ND to E. and Viola (nee Grythe) Wilson on April 10, 1933.  When his mother remarried, he worked on the family farm with his stepdad in the Adams-Fairdale, ND area. At the age of 18, he joined the US. Airforce, serving in the Korean War from 1951 to 1955. While stationed in Montgomery, AL, he met the love of his life, Eva Earline Stinson. They married on August 12, 1955 at her family home in Greenville, AL. 

Ray and his bride moved back to ND and farmed until the summer of 1963, when they moved to Drayton, ND. There he worked for the Farmers Union and Halcrow Farms and Plumbing. In February of 1967, Ray moved his family to Neche, ND where he loved working for various farmers and managed the city skating rink for extra income. He served some years on the Neche City Council, Christ Lutheran Church board, and was a proud member of the American Legion.

In 2020, after 53 years in Neche, they moved to Lake Geneva, WI to be close to family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were a special joy. Ray’s main loves in life were” Faith, Family, Fishing, and Farming.” He had a special affinity for dogs and children – they were just naturally drawn to him, whether they knew him or not. He will be missed dearly, and every memory of him is cherished.

Ray was predeceased by his sister, Dorothy (Dottie) Wilson; his brother-in-law, Wm. S.  (Bill) Brown; his mother, Viola Aardahl; and stepsister, Esther Boettger. 

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 67 years, Eva Earline Wilson of Lake Geneva, WI; two daughters, Kimberly (Duane) Johnson of Minneapolis, MN, and Karen Kawlewski of Lake Geneva, WI; two grandchildren, Nathan (Jenn) Kawlewski of Genoa City, WI, and Nicole Kawlewski of Lake Geneva, WI; three great-grandchildren, Pilleriin, Lucca, and Elowen; two sisters, Judy (Del) Nygard of Grafton, ND, and Gayle Brown of Grand Forks, ND. Nieces and nephews: Joanne Birdsall, Shane (Ann) Nygard, Joni Nygard, Scott Brown, and Julie (Mark) Doyle. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice of Delevan, WI for their exceptional care. We are so grateful.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your local hospice or the Dementia Society of America. A link has been provided below.

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Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is more than honored to be assisting the Wilson family.

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