Stephen Michael Wilson

Stephen Michael Wilson was summoned by the Valkyries on Memorial Day May 25th, 2020. To those who knew Steve, he was a loving husband, a fiercely proud Marine, brother, metal-head, part time Viking, and a kind friend. For those who didn’t have the privilege to know Steve, you really missed out. Steve was born in South Korea on March 15, 1964 to his parents George and Trudy Wilson. He was proud of his military heritage and often spoke about his father who served with Patton's 3rd Army and an Uncle who participated in D-Day in World War II. Steve was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother and sister. Following graduation from high school in Warren, Michigan, Steve was a guitarist in the Detroit Punk Band "Plain Truth." Steve initially decided to join the Army with the hopes of becoming a paratrooper. However, when he arrived to the recruiting office the Army recruiter was not in; so in true Steve fashion he impulsively decided to enlist in the Marines. Steve served as an Antitank Assaultman with AT TOW Co 3rd Tank Battalion and deployed in 1985 and 1986 to Okinawa where he subsequently was sent to the Philippines and Camp Fuji, Japan. Following his completion of active duty, Steve entered the United States Marine Corps reserve while a student at Texas Tech University. He served as a squad leader with an anti-tank unit in Desert Storm. Steve was known as a professional who looked out for his fellow Marines and maintained a sense of humor even when things seemed to be at the worst. Steve was proud to be a Marine and honored the motto Semper-Fidelis throughout his life. Following his return from Desert Storm he married, moved to Austin and opened an antique store. He and his then wife joined the Army where he served as infantryman with the 101st Airborne. During this time, he attended the Defense Language Institute where he became a Chinese linguist. Following the conclusion of his enlistment in the Army, (ok folks, be sure you read this next part in a hushed tone) Steve worked for the US federal government for several years involved in secret squirrel activities focused on national security issues. Steve lived a life of service to our country and was a true patriot. Steve met the love of his life Erika later in life. He loved Erika deeply. She made him truly happy and he could always make her laugh. Following their first date Steve knew immediately he had met his soul mate and described Erika to his friends as his "spirit animal." Steve and Erika were married on Veterans Day November 11, 2018 in Alexandria, Virginia. They made a simple, comfortable life together. Whether it was blasting The Misfits, strumming his Aria guitar, cooking with Erika, wrestling his dog Bonnie, eating orange sherbet, or watching a Cohen Brothers movie for the hundredth time Steve enjoyed life as it came to him. Steve leaves behind his wife Erika, his step-daughters Heather (Derek) Norris and Sonia (James) Ray, three grandchildren, his dog Bonnie, and countless friends and Marine brothers. Steve, we love and miss you. See you in Valhalla. P.S. Sorry Steve, we couldn’t do a Viking funeral. Turns out it’s illegal to burn bodies in boats in Virginia.