William Wilson

William Dale Wilson, age 87, of Gowen, Michigan, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025 at his daughter’s home under the loving care of his family and Faith Hospice. 

He was born on January 30, 1938 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and grew up in the Wyoming area. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Merchant Marines and continued serving until 1963. For over 44 years, he worked as a truck driver and retired from Consolidated Freightways. A devoted father and husband, Bill always put the needs of his family first and was always willing to help fix, repair or build anything. He enjoyed camping, boating and puttering in his workshop, and was an avid NASCAR fan. 

On October 16, 1982, in Grand Rapids, he married Judy Lynne Stauffer and together they enjoyed over 42 years of marriage and shared eleven children between them. Bill will long be remembered for his favorite saying of “GO AWAY, NOBODIES HOME”’. He and Judy wintered in Florida and currently made their home at Lincoln Pines Resort. 

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Holly Ditmar; a son, Skip Wilson; and three grandchildren, Amber, Billy, and Dylan. 

Surviving are his wife, Judy Wilson; their children, Suzanne & Doug Miller, Julie & Randy Wynsma, Laurie & Randy Salmon, Vicki & Dave Russ, Ken Wilson, Beth & Craig Vaughan, Brian & Shelly Wallace, Tracy Wallace, and Cindy & Brian Bergsma; twenty-nine grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. 

Relatives and friends are invited to join Bill's family in celebrating his life and enjoy all of his favorite desserts from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at the Pavilion at Lincoln Pines Resort, 13033 19 Mile Road N.E., Gowen, Michigan 49326.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Bill’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory or photo, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com 

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638.