John Samuel Wilson, age 82, of Watertown, SD, passed away at his home Sunday morning, November 13, 2011, with his three children at his side after a lengthy illness. Memorial service will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, November 17, 2011, at Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown.  Pastor Steve Lauricella will officiate.  Music will be provided by Judy Everson as soloist, and Marcia Jelsma as organist. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton, SD.  Military graveside honors will be conducted by Otto Quande RenVille American Legion Post #50/VFW Post #3342. Honorary pallbearers will be: John Tillman, Chuck Stone, Chuck Kretchman, Dick Olson, Gary Ernst and Gordon Burke.  

John was born to Samuel and Bertha (Nottage) Wilson on June 6, 1929, in Webster, SD. He was raised in Sisseton.  In order to join the United States Air Force at age 17, he earned his GED. He served in the Air Force and was honorably discharged after eight years. After returning home to Sisseton he went to the State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND, and completed a year of architectural drafting. While attending school he met Avis L. Chilson. They were married a year later on August 7, 1955, at Peever  Lutheran Church.  Shortly thereafter, the newlyweds moved to Aberdeen, SD, where he worked for Stein Sign company.  He was transferred to Watertown in 1963 and continued working for Stein Sign. 

He worked for more than 25 years for Stein winning international recognition for his sign design talents. In the late 1970’s, he began painting more from the upstairs studio in his home and in 1976 entered his first stamp contest. Placing second gave him the motivation to devote more time to his love of wildlife art. In 1979, he won the first of many South Dakota State stamp contests.  In 1981, he was the first South Dakota artist to win the Federal Duck Stamp with his painting of a pair of Ruddy ducks. Winning the Federal Duck stamp allowed him to pursue his love of art full-time. In the following years he won wildlife stamp contests in Michigan, Illinois and South Carolina.  In 1993, John committed to sharing his talents with his home town of Sisseton.  He donated eight original paintings, creating a chronological mural for the Nicollet Tower and Interpretive Center located west of Sisseton.

During his many years as an artist he shared his love for South Dakota and wildlife conservation by donating his work to numerous wildlife foundations.   He shared his love of the outdoors not only with his family but with numerous close friends, spending many hours in the field or on the water.   Beyond his love of wildlife, John enjoyed all aspects of aviation, especially bi-planes and aviation history.  One of his greatest joys occurred this past summer when he took a flight with a long time friend, in a bi-plane built in 1929, the same year John was born.  

John’s love for the outdoors was rivaled only by his love for people.  Those close to John will remember his humble, easy going and considerate approach when dealing with others.  John will not only be remembered as being an outstanding wildlife artist and conservationist, but a great husband, father and friend.

John is survived by his children, Jill (John) Austin; Jeff (Aundrea) Wilson and Tom (Jane) Wilson; 10 grandchildren: Kelsie, Erin and Sami Austin, Tom, Jessica, Brooke, Bryce and Zane Wilson and  Luke and Andrea Wilson; one brother, Larry (Marlys) Wilson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 56 years, Avis.