William Wilkinson

William “Bill” J. Wilkinson, 74 of Crary, ND on Wednesday evening, August 16, 2006 at his home. Funeral Services for Bill will be held on Monday, August 21, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at Doyon Lutheran Church, Doyon, ND. Pastor Don Reynolds will officiate and burial will be in the Crary Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Monday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. William John Wilkinson was born on June 10, 1932 at rural Larimore, ND the son of William J. and Bertha (Burgess) Wilkinson. He attended the Doyon Elementary School and Crary High School. He then worked for a time as a farm laborer in the Doyon/Crary area. Bill was united in marriage to Clarice Bye on March 28, 1952 at Grafton, ND. They established their home in Crary where they would live, work and raise their family. Bill entered the United States Army on July 25, 1952 at Fargo, ND and served his country during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Bill returned to Crary and worked for a time as an electrician and later was employed with Equity Creamery of Devils Lake. He drove the Eddy’s Bread Truck and worked for Westland Oil Bulk Service for many years. In 1969, he began farming at rural Crary and also owned and operated his own custom harvesting business. Due to ill health, Bill was forced to retire in the late 1990’s. Bill was a member of the Crary-Doyon Lutheran Church, Devils Lake Elks Lodge and served as the constable for Crary for many years. Bill is best described as an avid sportsman. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed many outdoor activities but especially hunting and fishing. He was a talented mechanic and loved his garden. Bill rarely missed a chance to watch a Minnesota Twins or Viking Game and took a special interest in all High School Sports. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend and neighbor and will be so very missed by all. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Clarice Children and Grandchildren: Douglas Wilkinson and his wife, Mona of West Fargo and family, Kim (Ken) Sanford and Mitch Wilkinson Debra Dahl and her husband, Owen of Northwood and family, Joel (Stephanie), Ryan and Jessica Dahl David Wilkinson and his wife, Juliane of Lakota and family, Vanessa, Brad and Mike Wilkinson Dennis Wilkinson of Big Lake, Minnesota and son, Tommy Wilkinson Dawn Schwitzgebel and her husband, Jurgen of Esko, Minnesota and family, Jeremiah, Zachary and Megan Wood Dixie Wilkinson of Austin, Texas and family, Aliza and Danielle Wilkinson Three Great Grandchildren: Noah, Hunter and Riley Brother: Dale Wilkinson of Vancouver, Washington Brothers-In-Law: Orrin “Bud” Johnson, Grafton Richard (Marge) Bye, Onalaska, Wisconsin Several Nieces and Nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Jean McWethy, Helen Kitsch and Dorothy Johnson.