Robert Dale Wilson, affectionately known as “Uncle Bob,” was born Dec. 12, 1937, in Loveland, Colorado, to John and Maude Wilson. He passed away Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the King’s Garden Campus of the Perry Lutheran Homes in Perry, Iowa.
Bob was united in marriage to Zeneta Colleen Wilson on Sept. 19, 1959, in Big Springs, Texas. Their union was blessed with a daughter, Penney Kay Wilson. The Wilson family made their home in Perry from the late 1960s until the present day.
Shortly after high school, Bob joined the U.S. Air Force. He was on active duty from 1957 to 1961 and stayed on in the reserves from 1962 to 1964.
After moving to Iowa, Bob took a job with the Bridgestone-Firestone Co. While there he performed numerous jobs, starting as a tire builder and finishing his career as a general foreman in ag tires. While at Firestone, he was able to travel to many remote locations around the world as a production advisor in a number of foreign factories.
Bob entered into retirement in 1999.
Retirement freed up Bob enough that he could actively partake in his many hobbies and interests. Bob loved traveling and participated in many outdoor endeavors, including hunting, fishing, camping and golf.
Bob also enjoyed auto racing and worked in a pit crew on a local circle track team. He was also able to score a ride in an NHRA top fuel dragster. His greatest racing achievement may have been getting his picture taken with “Awesome Bill From Dawsonville,” NASCAR Cup driver Bill Elliot.
Robert is survived by his daughter, Penney Sells of Perry; and his brothers, Chuck (Carol) Wilson of Loveland, Colorado, and John (Irene) Wilson from Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Colleen; a son-in-law, Shawn Sells; a sister, Genevieve; and a brother, Jerry Wilson.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 26 at the Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry, Iowa. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Air Force and the American Legion Post 99 of Minburn. Memorials may be directed to Every Step Hospice or the Raccoon River Pet Rescue. Online Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
