Earl Jacob Wilson

Earl Jacob Wilson, 90, was born February 17, 1924 to Mary (Solterman) and William David Wilson in Buffalo Township, Wisconsin. He passed away peacefully in his sleep December 3rd, 2014 at his home in Anaconda. Earl was raised on the family Dairy Farm, and attended High School in Montello, Wisconsin. He belonged to the Future Farmers of America. In 1949 Earl enlisted in the U.S Army and was stationed at Fort Lewis Washington. He spent two weeks at Camp Breckinridge, Ky. with the 101st Airborne Division, and then he was transferred to Fort Lewis, Washington for basic training. He was placed in Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Division. He was appointed squad leader for the 4th Squad Machine Gunners. While there he met the love of his life, Ruth Sylvia Hanson and married her on March 25th, 1950. He served in the Army Reserves for four more years. The couple moved to Anaconda in June of 1950. Earl worked as a laborer at the Foundry, then as a Crane Operator and eventually went to work in the Safety Office at the Smelter. He owned and operated a Laundromat on E. Third St. and also sold Real Estate and Insurance while holding down his full time job on the hill. One of Earl's favorite hobbies was gardening and raising raspberries. He raised goats and rabbits which helped to feed his children during the 9 month strike in 1959. After 35 years he retired from the Anaconda Company. Earl was an active member of the Anaconda Volunteer Fire Dept., and the local Ambulance Service. He was an active member in his church for many years. Earl was an avid walker, and an honest, prayerful & dedicated man. He spoke not a bad word about anyone as a matter of practice. He is well respected within his community and will be sorely missed. His peaceful, friendly & respectable nature will be remembered and treasured. Earl is survived by his 10 children: Andrew (Laura) Wilson; Karen (Jim) Sullivan; Susan Sletton; Nancy (Phil) Uttech; Terrie (Jon) Whitworth; William (Stacy) Wilson; Timothy (Diane) Wilson; Edward (Karen)Wilson; Michael Wilson, and Robert (Debbie) Wilson, 28 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Earl is also survived by his brother; Robert (Ann) Wilson, and two sisters; Ruth (Nick) Esselman/Nielson, and Mary (Roger) Beahm. Earl was preceded in death by his parents; Mary and William Wilson, his wife Ruth, his brothers Francis, Harry, and sister, Dorothy (Bruce) Wilson. Visitation will be held at Longfellow-Finnegan-Riddle on Wed. December 10, 2014 between 7:00 and 9:00 pm. A Rosary will be held at Holy Family Church at 9:30 Thurs., Dec.11, 2014 with a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. to follow. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery following a luncheon at Holy Family Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Estate of Earl Wilson, Wells Fargo Bank, 120 W. Park St., Anaconda, MT 59711.

Visitation

DEC 10. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (MST)

Holy Family Catholic Church 217 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Anacoonda, MT 59711

Mass of Christian Burial

DEC 11. 10:30 AM (MST)

Holy Family Catholic Church 217 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Anacoonda, MT 59711

Rosary

DEC 11. 9:30 AM (MST)

Holy Family Catholic Church 217 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Anacoonda, MT 59711