Jack Wilson

Jack passed away Friday February 16, 2018, surrounded by loved ones in Peace Hospice of Great Falls, Montana. He was a loving husband, father, uncle and grandfather who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

He was born June 1, 1937, to Charles and Lena Wilson in Chinook, Montana. He was the 10th child of his 11 siblings.

When Jack was six years old the Wilson family moved to Harlem, Montana where Jack attended school, played football, and met the love of his life Fern Akre.

Jack and Fern were married July 28, 1957 in Harlem, Montana where they started their family. They welcomed their oldest child, Pam, followed by their two boys Chuck and Steve. While the family lived in Harlem Jack worked for the EP Ekegren Implement, were he learned his mechanic skills.

Wanting to have a new adventure Jack moved his family to Great Falls in 1965, to advance his career with John Deere Implement.

In 1972 Jack settled his family in Sun River, Montana and later opened his shop, Jack's Farm Repair, in 1978, specializing in farm equipment services and repairs. He ran his business successfully for 30+ years, never truly retiring and could always be found tinkering in his shop.

He raised cattle for a short while, and always had a horse or a mule eating out of the palm of his hand. He loved to hitch up his team of mules and take everyone for wagon rides during the family's annual Thanksgiving gathering.

His love for his grandchildren and great grandchildren was indescribable. He kept busy attending many sporting events, taking the kids camping, tinkering with them in the shop, and teaching them to ride horses.

He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, and pass on his knowledge and skills.

Jack spent his later years traveling with Fern, camping with friends and family, attending mule days and snowbirding in Yuma, Arizona, enjoying all the friends he met there.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 and half wonderful years, Fern, and two sons, Chuck (Kim) Wilson of Great Falls, and Steve Wilson of Vaughn, and son-in-law Ken (Alice) Krell of Idaho Falls. His Grandchildren, Jennifer (Kevin) Tucker, Amanda (Nate) McFain, Casey (Courtney) Wilson and Alyssa (Luke) Knaup. He is also survived by his 9 great grandchildren: Elizabeth, Abby, Michael, Tasha, Austin, Caleb, Lainey, Wesley, Aspen, and 1 great-great grandson, Levi. He is also survived by an abundance of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews and two brother in laws, Herman Gee and Kenny Fetters.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Lena Wilson, 10 siblings: Mayme, Etta, Gordon, Bud, Sis, Lyle, Mona, Tootie, Pat and Sam and his beautiful daughter, Pam Krell.

Jack will always be remembered for giving the best hugs and his infectious smile.

A celebration of Jack's life is planned for April 21, 2018, at 1 PM, at the Sun River Gym, in Sun River, Montana.

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