Wilbert R. Moran

Wilbert Richard Moran, 91, a lifetime member of Proctor, MN, died Friday, November 18, 2011 at Golden Oakes Assisted Living, in Proctor.

Willie was born December 22, 1919 in Midway Park to Anna and William Moran. Willie graduated from Proctor High School in 1939 and later served in the CCC Camps at Kane and Marble Lakes, north of Two Harbors. He joined the Navy in 1942 and graduated from the U.S. Naval training in San Diego, CA on April 16, 1942. During his 3 years in Company 42-181 from 1942-1945, Willie served on light cruisers, the USS Beryl PY23, and the USS Toiowa ATF 116, as a sonar man in the Pacific Theater.

Willie married Mary Maneske on Nov. 28, 1946. He was a life member of the VFW and bowled for years in the Proctor Majors and many other bowling leagues.

He worked for the DM and IR Railroad for 35 years on the B and B and Section before retiring as a blacksmith in Dec. 1980.

Willie loved to fish for brook trout and walleye, hunting deer and grouse, and cheering on the UMD Bulldog’s men’s hockey team, the MN Twins, and the Vikings. He also enjoyed picking agates and tumbling and polishing them. He really loved his garden and his tomato plants. Most of all, he loved the family time at his sister Marge’s cabin on Ash Lake and enjoyed his time with his granddaughters and great grandson.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary, of 45 years; parents; sister, Marge Ahlin, 1987; brothers, Frank, 1984, William, 2000, Ed, 2002, John, 2002, and George, 2009.

Willie is survived by his two children, Dick “Bugs” Moran of Hermantown, MN, and Jan Gamble of Richfield, MN; two granddaughters, Kelly Gamble of Monticello, MN, and Sarah Gamble of Minneapolis, MN; great grandson, Dominic “Chicho” of Monticello, MN; sister, Lillian (Art) Gilderman of Cloquet, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to all the staff at Golden Oakes for your wonderful care.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, November 26, 2011, from 2-4 pm at Bell Brothers Funeral Home, 601 N 56th Ave W, in Duluth.

Please leave a memory of Willie or words of support for the family at www.bellbrotherfuneralhome.com