Charles Rayburn Wilson

Mr. Charles Wilson, of Port Washington, passed away at his residence Saturday afternoon, February 11, 2012. He was 85 years old. Charles was born in Clinton, Il on July 7, 1926, son of Rayburn H. and Ruth Duff Wilson. Charlie left school to work on the railroad and became a fireman with Illinois Central Railroad. On July 17, 1944 Charles was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart Nora in Paducah, KY. Mr. Wilson joined the US Army at 18 and was sent to the Pacific Theater from Ford Ord, Calif. He served in occupied Japan and the Philippines. While in Japan he helped with the Military Railway service. Following his return to the United States, Mr. & Mrs. Wilson moved to Port Washington in 1947 and raised their family. Charles and Nora bought their first home on Sauk Trail Road in what is now part of Harrington Beach State Park. Charlie worked for Wisconsin Electric Company at the Port Washington power plant as a boiler operator. He started in 1947 and retired after 40 years on the job. Nora preceded him in death in 2005. Mr. Wilson was a 65 year member of First Congregational Church in Port Washington, as well as belonging to FA&M Ozaukee Lodge #17 and the Scottish R...[more]

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. He also spent 20 years as a reserve deputy sheriff. His hobbies included: photography, fishing, relocating squirrels, picnics, BBQing, and sight seeing. Charles loved to drive around the country side, especially to see the buffalo in Belgium and through Harrington Beach State Park. He and Nora made many cross country road trips together visiting family and friends and touring national parks. He loved reading and learning and shared his passion for education with others and attended countless graduations of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Charles was truly part of the Greatest Generation to family and friends, living by the golden rule throughout his life. Charlie is survived by his four children: Charlie (Lenice) Wilson of Merced, CA, Michael Wilson of Madison, Roger Wilson of St. John's, Newfoundland and Nancy Ann (the late Johny) Crandall of Phoenix, AZ. He is further survived by 11 grandchildren: Courtney, Arlene, Michelle, Stuart, Andrea, Hilary, Nora, Jeremey, Sara, Grant and Autumn, 9 great-grandchildren: Kristen, Amanda, Geoffrey, Kate, Caroline, Wyatt, Gavin, Jeremey Jr. and Sadie, daughter-in-law Joyce Wilson, daughter-in-law LeNore Wilson, special friends Billie, Maria, Erica and Elsa, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Nora, their daughter Sara Lee and 2 sisters: Mary Ellen O'Neill and Anna Lou Smith. Funeral Services will be held at 4PM on Friday, February 17th, at First Congregational Church, 131 N. Webster St., Port Washington. Pastor Jeff Suddendorf will officiate. Masonic services and military honors will be included in the service. A reception at the church will follow. Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers to First Congregational Church or charity of donor's choice.