Kenneth W. Wilson

  Kenneth William Wilson, 65, of Grand Forks passed away at Altru Hospital, Monday, August 1, 2016, surrounded by his loving family, due to complications from an aortic aneurysm. Kenneth William Wilson was born March 30, 1951, in Hallock, MN to William and Lana (Magdalene) Wilson. He lived in Rolla, ND for two years, then moved to Maddock, ND where his father was the general manager of Northwestern Bell.  He attended Maddock Public school where he lettered in football and baseball. He was also active in Boy Scouts with his parents as his leaders.  Ken graduated in 1969. He then attended The University of North Dakota where he met his future wife, Eileen. The construction business started early in Ken’s life. In high school, he was employed trenching in underground telephone lines and working for a local farmer. After college, he worked for Robertson Lumber for a number of years.  He then purchased and became a partner in A & L Siding, a company that he co-owned for 14 years.  His final business venture was the True Value Hardware store in Larimore, ND. Ken enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the lake, where he loved to teach others how to water ski, wakeboard and wake-surf. His other passions were gardening and woodworking. Some of the projects he created included toy boxes, a baby cradle, Adirondack chairs and toy cars, just to name a few. His garden at the lake was always a source of pride. After retirement, he decided to cover some of his bucket list which included visiting Presidential libraries, spending a few months on the Florida beaches, getting his scuba certificate, visiting Nashville and seeing Hank Williams Jr. in concert. One of Ken’s favorite joys was his grandchildren. He valued spending time with them at the lake where he taught them all to ski and enjoy the water, and spent countless hours watching them participate in sports. Ken is survived by his wife of 44 years, Eileen; three children, Trisha (Richard) Deitz of Fargo, Missy (Kristen Juven) Wilson of Fargo, and Jarod Wilson of Minneapolis; and three grandchildren, Brandyn, Brianna, and Bryce Deitz; Siblings, Rodney (Sue) Wilson, Rhonda (Mike) Poellot, and Brent (Jill) Wilson; brother-in-law, Alan (Janet) Hanson; and sisters-in-law, Diane (Ron) Eliason and Connie (Robin) Field, along with many nieces and nephews.  Ken is preceded in death by his mother, Lana, and father, William. A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with prayer service at 7 p.m. Memorial services will be held Friday, August 5 at 11 a.m.  Both services will be held at Sharon Lutheran Church, Grand Forks.