Donald Wilson

Donald R. Wilson, 80, of North Fort Myers, Florida passed away July 7, 2011 at Sterling House of Cape Coral following a brief illness. Don was born September 8, 1930 in Milan, Tennessee the son of Herman and Hazel Wilson. In addition to his home state, he fondly spent various parts of his life in Illinois, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio and, finally, the last ten years in Florida. Don leaves to treasure and honor his loving memory, his wife of over 50 years, Elizabeth, nee Albrecht, 4 children; Nathalie (John) Boettcher, Kimberlie (Royal) Dusenbery, Scott (Janice) Wilson, and Janice (Thomas) Berger, 5 grandchildren; Erin, Wesley, Scott, Lindsey, and Mira, and 2 great grandchildren; Lauren and Tyler. Upon graduation from Riverside Brookfield High School in 1948, the culmination of growing up in Brookfield, Illinois, Don was off to Colorado where he attended Western State College of Colorado before returning to Illinois to settle down and start a family with Elizabeth. After testing the waters with a variety of career opportunities over the next several years, he then dedicated nearly four decades of his life to working in the automotive industry for General Motors in various accounting, finance, and internal audit positions. While he primarily spent this time at its Warren, Michigan Technical Center working for Fisher Body, Don also worked at a number of other facilities for General Motors including those in Pontiac, Michigan and Dayton, Ohio. Many of those early years were complimented by cherished family summer camping trips criss-crossing North America in search of the next famous landmark to marvel. Those adventures segued into new, fun experiences shared by all who were fortunate enough to enjoy the many summers at the cottage on Lake Huron, just north of Port Sanilac, Michigan. He eventually became an avid recreational golfer and spent many happy hours on the links of Huron Shores Golf Course and, later in life, at Six Lakes Country Club. Six Lakes was his home for the past ten years where he was affectionately known by his many dear friends as Don R. In addition to his golf activities there, Don took great pride in running the weekly pinochle club for the past several years and leaves big shoes for his successor to fill. The family extends their gratitude to Manor Care, Sterling House of Cape Coral and Hope Hospice for their dedicated care and concern. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Gendron Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., 4224 Cleveland Ave, Suite 1, Fort Myers, Florida 33901, 239-274-0088. Online condolences may be made at www.gendronfuneralhome.com.

Donald Wilson

September 8, 1930 - July 7, 2011