Bernard Wilson
MINDEN, NEVADA — Bernard “Bernie” Wilson passed away at home in Minden, Nevada, on Sept. 17, 2017. He was 93, had no regrets and was ready. Bernie considered himself a very lucky man.
Bernie was born in Hettinger County, North Dakota, in 1923 to Bernard and Edna Wilson. He and his five siblings spent their childhood around Hettinger and along the Little Missouri River south of Medora. Bernie met his future wife Lila while attending the North Dakota School of Forestry in Bottineau, North Dakota. Bernie and Lila were married in Glendive, North Dakota, on Aug. 25, 1943, and had recently celebrated their 74th anniversary. Bernie and Lila went on to ranch for 30 years in the badlands southwest of Medora, North Dakota, and raised two daughters, Mona and Dawn.
They retired to Ronan, in 1979 where they built a new home and made many friends after joining various local music clubs. With Lila backing up the band on her bass guitar, Bernie would take his turns around the dance floor, never lacking for a dance partner. Bernie was also interested in woodworking and enjoyed building cabinets and various pieces of furniture.
In 2000 they moved to Apache Junction, Arizona, where they continued to enjoy their music, dancing and new friends. In 2012 they moved to Minden, Nevada, to be near their daughter and her husband, Dawn and Dennis Patterson.
Bernie is survived by his wife Lila and daughters Mona Neill and Dawn Patterson. At Bernie’s request there will be no services.
