Richard ‘Rick’ H. Wilson

GLADSTONE — Richard “Rick” H. Wilson, age 71, of Gladstone, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at his home with his wife by his side.

Rick was born on January 24, 1954 in Escanaba, the son of Harold and Malvina Wilson. He was raised in Gross and graduated from Gladstone High School in the class of 1973. On April 9, 1973 Rick met the former Debbie Casey on a blind date and they were united in marriage on May 17, 1975. Together they shared 50 years of wonderful memories.

Rick worked for most of his life as a journeyman pipefitter. He worked for Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin for seven years and then began work at the Escanaba paper mill in 1982 until his retirement in 2014. He was a member of the United Steelworkers Local 2-21 as well as the Mead Rod & Gun Club. He enjoyed traveling, ice fishing, hunting, and was a jack of all trades. In 2020, he joined All Saints Catholic Church and was a devoted parishioner. He will be truly missed by many.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Debbie; children, Steven Wilson and Sarah (Micah) Badenhop; grandchildren, Edwin, Rosie, and Maggie Badenhop; sisters, Lois Day and Marilyn (Gary) Kulas; brothers-in-law, Pat (Mary) Casey and Russ (Aysha Koszla) Casey; sister-in-law, Cheryl Schorr; beloved dog Lucy; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Malvina; parents-in-law, John and Marge Casey; brother, Dan Wilson; sister, Shirley O’Mealy; brothers-in-law, Harry O’Mealy, Ramon Tordeur, John Schorr, Fred Day, Mike Casey, and Joe Casey; and sisters-in-law, Barb Wilson and Bonnie Casey.

The family would like to extend a thank you to OSF ACU and radiology departments, Dr. Scott Randall, UP Home Health and Hospice, and Fr. Jamie Ziminski from All Saints Catholic Church for the care and compassion they provided to Rick and his family.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Visitation will be from 2-4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial honoring Rick will begin at 5 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Brandon Yanni officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Rick will be laid to rest in the Rapid River Cemetery. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Wilson family.