Mark Wilson

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Mark Wilson who was loved deeply as a father, son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend.

A Celebration of Life open house will be from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  Military honors will be provided by the Willmar American Legion Post #167 and the Minnesota National Guard Funeral Unit.

Mark was the recipient of a beautiful quilt given to him by an organization called Quilts of Gratitude.  This quilt brought him much comfort during difficult times.

Memorials make be directed, in Mark’s honor, to the non-profit organization, Quilts of Gratitude, the Minnesota chapter of Quilts of Honor based out of Brainerd which consists of dedicated volunteers from across central Minnesota.  Their mission is, “to bestow a universal symbol and token of thanks, solace, and remembrance to those who serve in harm’s way to protect and defend our lives and freedoms.”  Quilts are made by the loving hands of countless volunteers who wish to thank those who have served and to honor their service and sacrifice.

Donations in Mark’s honor may be sent to:

Quilts of Gratitude

c/o S Carroll

10756 Loon Call Drive SW

Nisswa, MN  56468

If you know a veteran that could benefit from the comfort provided by one of these quilts, please visit www.quiltsofhonor.org.

Mark James Wilson was born in Edina, Minnesota.  He lived his early years in Bloomington where he attended Poplar Bridge Elementary School through 4th grade and played youth hockey.  He moved to Redwood Falls briefly and onto Willmar where he began 5th grade.  He then attended Willmar High School and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.  He both enjoyed and excelled at academics, participating on the Math and Knowledge Bowl teams.

On October 8, 1999, Mark enlisted with the Minnesota National Guard.  From 2003-2005, he served active duty in Iraq with the Minnesota Red Bulls.  On August 8, 2011, Mark was honorably discharged.  Mark then settled in rural Hawick on a small acreage of land where he called home for many years.

Mark found great joy in his two children.  His oldest, a daughter, was born in 1998 followed by his son in 2003.  Mark participated in many outdoor activities where he could enjoy his natural surroundings, ATV riding with his son, time at the family’s apple orchard, which was near where he lived, and improving his homestead.  He also had a passion for fishing which he inherited from both of his grandfathers.  Of course, there needed to be regular teasing between father and son such as when Mark planted red cedar trees on his land (red cedars cause cedar apple rust).

The last trip Mark would take was to Wyoming in August 2017 to see the solar eclipse.  It was his idea to witness this event in person and share the experience with his father, son and two nieces.  This was a once in a lifetime experience they shared.

He is survived by his children, Mackensie Johnson of Minneapolis and Reese Wilson of Hawick; his parents, James and Debora Wilson of Willmar; two siblings, Kareen Hayden of Spicer and Thomas (Jen) Wilson of Orono; his grandmother, Arlene Wilson of St. Cloud; and his nieces and nephew, Adeline and Charlotte Hayden and Anders Wilson along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Howard and Amy Scripture and William Wilson.