Rev. Deacon John Dorr Wilson, Jr.

Rev. Deacon John Dorr Wilson Jr., 89, of Chatham, IL, and formerly a long-time resident of Pontiac, IL, gracefully passed away into his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 4:20 p.m. at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois. John was born on August 20, 1924 in LaGrange, Illinois, as the only child of John Dorr Wilson Sr. and Helen (Thatcher) Wilson. John grew up as a child during the Great Depression, and when he became older began assisting his father on the family farm in LaGrange, Illinois. In 1942, John graduated from LaGrange High School and continued to assist on his family's farm. He later went on to attend the University of Illinois. Though John worked in a diverse array of trades throughout his life, it was clear they all reflected some of his best attributeshis giving and generous heart, his innovative and creative thinking, his passion and commitment to serving others, and most importantly his love and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. John began his career working for Bertsche and Berry, and then went on to work for Gordon Foran, as a specialty advertising agent. In 1973, John made a momentous decision, finally realizing that the person he really wanted to work for was himself. Embracing his entrepreneurial side, John began his own franchise of the popular fast-food restaurant chain, Mr. Quick's. John opened his first restaurant in Pontiac, IL, which quickly became the highest grossing Mr. Quick's restaurant in the state. John later went on to own and operate a total of ten restaurants throughout the state. Throughout his tenure in the restaurant business, John also enjoyed serving as President of the Midwest Tasty Freeze. Later in his life, John decided to take his entrepreneurship in a different direction and began his own specialty advertising business, The John D. Wilson Company, which he operated until his retirement. Also during this time, John further pursued his spiritual growth and commitment and became ordained as an Episcopal deacon. During his tenure as an ordained clergy member, John served in the Episcopal dioceses of both Chicago and Springfield. John served as a deacon at The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Springfield and at Grace Episcopal Church in Pontiac, IL, alongside being a Sunday school teacher and lay reader. John also enjoyed taking part in Episcopal Men's Cursillo and other church committees, activities, and ministries. It was indeed a time of great growth for John, but that period of his life was most notable for the blessings it brought to him personally. On September 30, 1950, John married the love of his life and best friend, Alverda Gyneth (Olson) Wilson in LaGrange, Illinois. John and Alverda joyfully began their life together and were later blessed with having four wonderful childrenGail, John, Wendy, and Mary Ruth. In John's free time, he enjoyed being a dedicated philanthropist, supporting numerous charities including the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and religious ministries, being an active member of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce, enjoying a good book with his friends in the Chatham Area Library book club, feeding the birds and squirrels, and never missing an episode of Antiques Roadshow. John was a past member of the Pontiac Camera Club, The Pontiac Country Club, The Pontiac and Springfield Elks Lodges, The Pontiac Moose Lodge, The Pontiac and Chatham Chamber of Commerce, and many committees at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul. John is survived by his wife, Alverda (Olson) Wilson; his children, Mary Ruth Landes of Chatham, IL, Wendy (David) VanGiesen of Jacksonville, IL, and Gail Howard of Brooklyn Center, MN; his grandchildren, Madeline Landes of Chatham, IL, Jessica (Chris) Toews of Atlanta, GA, Laura (Brian) Meier of Minneapolis, MN, Jaclyn (Josh) Miles of Louisville, KY, and Jennifer (Mark) Hutzal of Osseo, MN; great-grandchildren, Clive Toews, Zenon Hutzal, Adele Miles, and Mason Miles; one niece; and two nephews. He is preceded in death by one son, John Dorr Wilson III and his parents. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday May 27, 2014 at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. 2nd St., Springfield, IL 62704. Funeral Mass: 11a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at Cathedral Church of St. Paul with The Right Rev. Daniel Hayden Martins, celebrant. Graveside Ceremony: Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m.at Chatham Memorial Cemetery in Chatham. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38105, the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. 2nd Street, Springfield, IL 62704 or to the Cathedral Church of St. James Memorial Fund, 65 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611.