Samuel Wilson

Memorial Services for Samuel D. Wilson, of Bricelyn, MN, formerly of Albert Lea, will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at South Blue Earth Lutheran Church, 49343 50th Street, Bricelyn, MN. The Reverend Arne Halbakken will officiate. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery, Albert Lea, Minnesota. Military Honors will be accorded by Albert Lea Veteran's Organizations. Friends may visit with family one hour before the service at the church. Sam died peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 16, 2015, at the age of 84. He was born on September 11, 1930, in Alliance, Nebraska, and as a toddler was adopted by Elmer S. "Bing" and Mildred M. (Chaplin) Wilson. He graduated from high school in Kansas City, Missouri, then started working with his dad in the wholesale plumbing business. He joined the National Guard and then was drafted serving stateside as a supply sergeant during the Korean Conflict. He received his honorable discharge in 1953. He married Jean L. Groe on July 5, 1953 in Lake Mills, Iowa. He returned to the plumbing wholesale business and they had lived in Albert Lea, Aberdeen, SD, Ames, IA, and Butler, WI. They returned to Albert Lea where Sam operated Wilson Supply for many years before retiring. He enjoyed his lake retreat on First Crow Wing Lake, retiring there for a time before returning to the area to live in Bricelyn. He was proud of his service to our country and was a longtime member of the American Legion where he had served as Post Commander in Albert Lea, Past District Commander and Past Department Vice Commander. Sam had been an active member of the Masonic Lodge and the Shrine Club for many years. Many family memories were made of packing up the family, heading west, camping along the way. Sam enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, his travels, and was an avid reader. His many canine friends served as great companions throughout the years. He appreciated nothing more than opportunity to spend time his family and tease the grandkids.
Sam is survived by his wife Jean of Bricelyn; children: Gregory (Paula) Wilson of Albert Lea,
Sandra (Roland) Buhler of Trevor, WI, Randy Wilson (Jean Ann) of Bricelyn and Robert Wilson of Bricelyn; grandchildren: Josh (Erica) Wilson, Whitney Wilson, Amy Ryan, Christopher Ryan, Miguel Granados, Diego Granados, Amber Wegner(Michael Pittman), Ashly (Jason) Kincheloe; great grandchildren: Keishawna, Joey, Wesley, Athena, Andrés, Adrian and Anabella; sister Sadie Thompson of California; brother-in-law Dennis Groe; sisters-in-law: Carol Willand, Shirley Holstad, Marge Myhr, Lovenea Groe, Evelyn Groe, and Helen Groe, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Debra Marie and sons Samuel Steven and Steven Samuel.