Daniel E. Wilson, age 77 of Greensburg, died Friday, April 13, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his family. Born March 5, 1941, in Ripley County, Indiana, he was the son of Everett and Margaret (Abplanalp) Wilson. He married Sarajane Weber August 31, 1960, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Crossroads.
Dan was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Crossroads, a 1959 graduate of Batesville High School, and a 1963 graduate of Purdue University. While at Purdue, Dan worked for the Purdue Agronomy Department and Indiana Crop Improvement. Following graduation, he was the Agriculture teacher at Jackson Township School in Decatur County. He has also been a Manager at Lowe’s Pellets and Grain and was County Executive Director at Decatur County ASCS (now FSA Office), and finally full-time farmer.
Dan started farming at the age of 13, riding his bike up to work at Narwold’s Dairy Farm. He cleared five acres on his Dad’s property so he could grow corn. Dan always had a passion for farming, John Deere tractors especially antiques, and music, but what he loved most was spending time with his family. Also important was his faith in God giving us the sun and rain to turn one grain into millions. His voice was well-known for announcing tractor pulls, horse pulls, and the Napoleon Fireman’s Annual Picnic.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son William (Bill) Wilson, and two infant grandsons, Arthur and John Rempe. Survivors include his wife of 57+ years, son Ben (Melinda) Wilson of Batesville, and four daughters Beth (Clint) Miller, Beverly Wilson, Bonnie (Joe) Weisenbach, all from Greensburg and Rebecca (Doug) Bohman from Enochsburg. Grandchildren include Jason (Kierstyn) Miller West Lafayette, Michelle Miller Minneapolis Minnesota, Megan (Joe) Wiggins Lafayette, Lindsay (Aaron) Krieger Fort Wayne, Addison Rempe Greensburg, Taylor (Aaron) Schroder Greensburg, Derek (Ali) Wilson Hamburg, Evan Wilson Hamburg, Erica Wilson New Point, Justin Weisenbach Greensburg, Sarah, Olivia, and Madelyn Bohman, Enochsburg. Great grandchildren, Luella Miller, Holden and Elliott Krieger, Everett William Wilson, and Hensley Schroder.
Visitation will be held at Gilliland Howe Funeral Home on April 18 from 2 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Smyrna Lutheran Church, 3815 S CR 550 E, Greensburg, on April 19 at 10:30 am with visitation one-hour prior. Burial will follow at the Smyrna Lutheran Cemetery. Pastor Creighton Leptak, Jr. of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Crossroads will be officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the perpetual care of Salem Cemetery, Napoleon Fire Department, or donor’s choice in care of the funeral home. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com.
