Robert A. "Red" Wilson's Obituary
Robert “Bob” “Red” Allan Wilson
March 20, 1938 – August 7, 2025
Donna, Texas
Robert “Bob” “Red” Allan Wilson, 87, of Donna, Texas, passed away on August 7, 2025. Born in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, on March 20, 1938, Bob was the eldest of four children of Fred (Haven) and Berniece (Anderson) Wilson. He grew up in southern Minnesota and graduated from Kenyon High School. Following graduation, Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for two years. After his honorable discharge, he returned home, where he met and married Mary Lou Holland in 1962.
In 1972, Bob married Sharon Lynn Jacobs on October 21, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 52 years. Together, they made their home in Owatonna, Minnesota.
Bob built a career as a proud Union Carpenter, contributing to numerous bridge construction projects across Minnesota and Iowa. Following his years in construction, he worked for Viracon in Owatonna for five years before fully retiring.
A true outdoorsman, Bob loved fishing and hunting. For more than 35 years, he and Sharon spent weekends—and later entire summers—at their camper on Cedar Lake in Faribault, Minnesota, where Bob was an active member of the Cedar Lake Sportsman’s Club. He was also a proud member of the Owatonna Eagles for over 50 years.
In 2012, Bob and Sharon began spending winters in Donna, Texas, returning to Cedar Lake each summer. By 2020, they made Texas their permanent home. In his later years, Bob enjoyed fishing, spending time with friends and neighbors, and participating in the daily “Table of Knowledge” gatherings, where stories, laughter, and a little bit of “wisdom” were shared over a cold beer.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Wilson of Donna, Texas; sisters Diane Van Guilder of Albert Lea, Minnesota, and Bonnie (Don) Knutson of Owatonna, Minnesota; daughters Michelle (Kevin) Blaha of Owatonna, Minnesota; Shauna (Todd) Stute of Morgan Hill, California; and Michelle (Craig) Haberman of Medford, Minnesota; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Caryl Hughes, and brothers-in-law Lloyd Van Guilder and Terry Hughes.
Bob will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of the outdoors, and the friendships he nurtured throughout his life.
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