Final Salute

Byron “Buzz” Wilson, 70, of Red Lake Falls, MN passed away suddenly and peacefully on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at his residence.

The service to celebrate Buzz’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with his brother, Father Richard Wilson and Rev. Jonathan Dodson officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:00 PM prayer service on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Red Lake Falls and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Red Lake Falls, MN. Military honors will be provided by Red Lake Falls America Legion Post 22 and United States Navy Honor Guard.

Byron Jerome Wilson, lovingly known as Buzz, was born October 13, 1953 in Red Lake Falls, MN to Woodrow and Harriet (Vinge) Wilson. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Red Lake Falls. He attended school in Red Lake Falls graduating from Lafayette High School with the class of 1972. Following high school, Buzz served his country in the United States Navy as a Seabee, providing construction support to Navy installations. Following his honorable discharge in 1976, Buzz attended Northland Community College in Thief River Falls where he graduated with an Associate Degree.

On November 18, 1978, Buzz was united in marriage to Cheryl Gervais at Bethany Lutheran Church in Red Lake Falls. Together they raised their children, Tania, Matthew, and Bryce.

He worked for a short time in Crookston, MN for Elk River Concrete and then for over 20 years for the City of Red Lake Falls, retiring as Public Works Director.

Buzz loved golfing and spending time at Oak Knolls Golf Course in Red Lake Falls where he served on the board. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, being at his house in the Klondike, feeding the birds, and being at the arena. Buzz especially loved spending time with his family and friends, and following the activities of his children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was a member of American Legion Post 22 in Red Lake Falls where he served as past Post Commander, volunteered with the Honor Guard, and worked many years with the Legion baseball team. Buzz also volunteered for five years at the school in Plummer where his sister, Laurie worked and his grandchildren, Madilyn and Gavin attended pre-school. Buzz was honored with an award for his service and dedication to the school.

Survivors include daughter, Tania (Shannon Gunderson) Waldal of Red Lake Falls, sons, Matthew Wilson of Red Lake Falls and Bryce (Karli) Wilson of East Grand Forks, MN; grandchildren, Cody, Judd, Madilyn, Gavin, Krew, Karter, Kinlee and Kroix; siblings, Dr. Warren (Marilyn) Wilson, Father Richard Wilson, Darlene Mickelson, Kathleen Schultz, Scott Wilson and Renae (Steve) Philipp; brother-in-law, Perry Duden; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Buzz is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Jan Bolstad, Laurie Duden; and brothers-in-law, Mark Henderson, Jerry Schultz, and Timothy Pahlen; sister-in-law, Arlene Wilson; nephew, Brian Wilson.

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