John Vincent Wils
John Vincent Wils
RAPID RIVER — John Vincent Wils, age 70 of Rapid River passed away on July 4, 2021, at Mayo in Rochester, Minn. after a brief illness. John was born in Escanaba on December 27, 1950. He was the oldest son of Lawrence Rock Wils and Cleo (Langford) Wils.
He attended Perkins High School, graduating in 1969. As a child, he loved farming at his home in Perkins with his family. John rode farming equipment from age 4. His love for it grew into his profession at Operating Engineers Local 324, a member for 44 years. He built roads and installed gas pipelines for multiple companies in Michigan and across America. After 35 years, John retired in 2012.
John was confirmed at All Saints Catholic Church on May 2, 1993.
On June 18, 2011, John was united in marriage to his loving wife Pamela Ann Voss, formerly of Lansing, at All Saints Catholic Church, Gladstone, officiated by Fr. Arnie Grambau, Co, Fr. Jacek Wtyklo, with Sr. Jo Ann Jauquet assisting. Always together with inseparable love and laughter. They resided at their home on Little Bay de Noc, Stonington Peninsula, with their three Goldens: Karlee, Frank the Tank and Mr. Sam Man. Their little piece of heaven on earth.
John held strong to his Christian Faith. He loved his large family and friends. He enjoyed praying, nature, boating, ice fishing, hunting, farming, painting, and recently built a garage at their home. Truly a jack of all trades! He always lent a helping hand at church and to family and friends.
John is survived by sister, Theresa (Wils) Adams; brothers, Keith (Annie), Barry (Lisa), Charlie, David (Karen Rose), and Duane (Wendy); mother-in-law, Pauline Voss; brothers-in-law, Robin (Janice) Voss and Todd (Soni) Voss; sister-in-law, Catherine Voss; step-children, Kelli Blanchard and David Blanchard; grandchildren, Eliza and Molly; goddaughter, Ellen Wils; special aunts, Helen Clouser and Pat Way; special, Fran Wils; many special nieces and nephews; and special friends, Eddie Destrampe, Tony Eskofski and Barbara LaCroix.
Along with his parents, he was proceeded in death by sisters, Ellen Sue Wils, Kathleen Svoboda, and Barbara Royer; sister-in-law, Karen (Poquette) Wils; father-in-law Richard Voss; brother-in-law Lanny Voss; nephew, Joey Svoboda; and special friend, Ron Muse.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, July 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the church parish hall at All Saints Catholic Church, Gladstone, followed by Christian Burial Mass officiated by Fr. Jamie Ziminski at All Saints Catholic Church at 1 p.m. Luncheon to follow. Burial at Rapid River Cemetery to be announced at a later date.