Herbert Wilson

Herbert "Herb" Leon Wilson, 83, of Pillager died on Monday, February 20, 2012 from a courageous battle with cancer, at Essentia Health/St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, MN. Services for Herb will be held at First Lutheran Church in Pillager with Pastor Blaine McNeal officiating at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 24, 2012. Visitation will be held at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter on Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 5:00-7:00PM and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment at Wildwood Cemetery in Pillager.

Herb was born on December 26, 1928 to George and Grace (Whipple) Wilson in Pillager, MN. He grew up in the Pillager area before serving two years in the Korean War. Herb married Gerry Erickson on July 3, 1954. They raised their family in the cities and after retiring in 1985 they moved back to the family farm in Pillager. Herb was active in the Pillager Lions and Randall VFW. He was voted Pillager Citizen of The Year in 2010. Herb and Gerry spent their winters in Apache Junction, Arizona. Herb enjoyed working, building something, country music, cutting wood, and dancing. He also loved riding four- wheeler, staying busy on his hobby farm, and watching westerns. He was well known, respected and loved by all-and he will be greatly missed.

Herb is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gerry; children, Deb (Doug) Bannochie of Coon Rapids, MN, Steve Wilson of Ham Lake, MN, Teri Wilson of Blaine, MN, and Wendy (Brian) Paulson of Coon Rapids, MN; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Mable Barnett, Viola Ackerson, and Harriet Rassler all of Pillager, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Grace and brothers, Vernon, Melton, and Albert.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter.