Richard John Wilson

Dick was born on June 12, 1936, to Leslie and Harriet (Kolander) Wilson in Benson, Minnesota. Raised on a small family farm just outside of town before later moving to Jackson, Minnesota, Dick was a talented high school athlete. He excelled as a running back for the football team and specialized in baseball and track (low hurdles).

Following his graduation in July 1954, Dick enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving until March 1958 and attaining the rank of Airman First Class. Upon returning home, he met the love of his life, Jane Susan Frederick of Ashton, Iowa. The two were married in June 1960, beginning a beautiful, lifelong partnership that would span 66 years.

Prior to their marriage, Dick reentered military service, this time dedicating himself to the United States Navy. He built a distinguished 20-year career as a Cryptologic Technician Maintenance (CTM), retiring as a Chief Petty Officer on March 3, 1975. Throughout his naval career, Dick served at five duty stations around the globe. His assignments included the Naval Communications Station in the Philippines, with temporary duty aboard the USS Midway (CV-41) and USS Ranger (CV-61) in 1961. In 1962, he transferred to a Naval Security Group Detachment on the staff of CINCPACFLT in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, later completing temporary duty aboard the USS Wilhoite (DER-397) in 1964. He also served at the Naval Security Group Activity in Key West, Florida, before returning to Pearl Harbor in 1968. His final assignment was as an instructor at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois, from 1971 until his retirement. Dick’s honorable service was recognized with numerous awards, including two National Defense Service Medals, a Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, and four Good Conduct Medals.

Following his retirement from the Navy, Dick and Jane, along with their five children, settled first in Iowa and later in South Dakota, where he worked for the United States Forest Service. In 1980, he accepted a role as a communications engineer with Aeronautical Radio Incorporated (ARINC) in Annapolis, Maryland. He dedicated another 20 years to ARINC before retiring for a second time in 2000. In 2004, Dick and Jane began a new chapter, settling in Arlington, Tennessee.

Dick had a lifelong love of the outdoors, finding great joy in fishing and birdwatching. He was an avid, lifelong fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins (with a special admiration for his favorite player, Harmon Killebrew). Above all, Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took immense pride in his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Jane, who looks forward to the day they can dance to “In the Mood” together once again. He is also survived by his five children: son Craig (Michele) of Marion, Iowa; daughter Lesleigh Pagan (Ivan) of Lakeland, Tennessee; daughter Trish Goebel (Rob) of Boonsboro, Maryland; son Steven of Severn, Maryland; and daughter Lindsay Adams of Tifton, Georgia. Dick was blessed with 11 grandchildren: Candice Fritsch of Tucson, Arizona; Ryan Pagan (Keanna) of Bartlett, Tennessee; Brent Goebel of Odenton, Maryland; Paige Wilson (Madie Ascherl) of Chicago, Illinois; Bethany Jones (Kevin) of Ellicott City, Maryland; Ryan Ackerman (and his dog, Ozzie) of Des Moines, Iowa; Sonya Goebel of Falling Waters, West Virginia; Kailha Baker (Austin) of Tifton, Georgia; Bradley Wilson of Severn, Maryland; Samantha “Sammie” Penney of Memphis, Tennessee; and Triston Penney of Manesfield, Texas; as well as his 4 cherished great-grandchildren: Artemis Baker, Eleanor Pagan, Everett Pagan, and Jeremiah Heredia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Harriet Wilson; his brother, Keith Wilson; and his sister, Mona Matuska.

Dick will be honored with inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (8151 Chimneyrock Blvd., Cordova, TN 38016) on July 13, 2026 at 10 am CST.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Richard “Dick” John Wilson’s name to the Paralyzed Veterans of America or the Wounded Warrior Project.