Delbert "Del" E. Wilson

Delbert “Del” E. Wilson, 86, of Rockford, died on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Rock Grove, IL on May 18, 1929; to parents Elmer and Beulah (Krumrine) Wilson. He married his loving wife of 64 years, Neva J. (Tielkemeier) Wilson in Rock City on March 25, 1951. Del proudly served as a U.S. Army Sergeant in the Korean War and went on to work for Greenlee Tool Company for 40 years, retiring in 1991. He loved fishing, and was a founding member of the 139 Muskie Club. Its been well documented that a fish never felt so safe when Del's line was cast. A proud member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Del also loved manicuring his pristine yard, trips to the local Ace Hardware, Da Bears, Cubs, and Bulls; but most of all his family. He was a humble man, beloved by all, and a shining example of what it means to be a husband, father, grandfather, papa, and friend.
Del is survived by his wife, Neva Wilson; children, Doug (Alex) Wilson and Gregg (Lisa) Wilson of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren, Stephanie (Tom) Hove, Jenny (Pete) Brodeski, Sean (Kristy) McHugh, Bobbie (Robbie) Dame, Joey (Chris) Trimble, Michael and Jack Wilson; great grandchildren, Sophie, Amelia, Oliver, Molly, Greta, Jackson, Lila and two on the way, baby Charlie and baby Hove; brothers, Donald (Donna) Wilson, Darrell (Fern) Wilson.
He is predeceased by his parents; daughter, Pamela Jean; and great grandson, Harrison. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Nana and Wendy, the loving caregivers for Del during his final months.
Memorial service will be at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2016 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108 with a visitation starting at 4:00 p.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to be dispersed between Ovarian Cancer research, dementia research, and home hospice care. Express condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com