John Peter Wilson, 74, of Tioga, North Dakota, passed away at his residence on Thursday, November 29, 2018. He was born October 18, 1944 in Minot, North Dakota to Norris Wesley Wilson and Gerda Pauline Wilson (Olson).

John graduated from Tioga High School in 1962; enlisted, and proudly served our country with the United States Navy from 1963 to 1967. He was assigned to the USS Keppler, which was a Gearing-class destroyer, where he earned the National Defense Service Medal as well as the Vietnam Service Medal. During his service, he was able to travel around the world; he would often talk about his military service as some of his best years. After the service, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Economics from Minot State. He then attended Valley City State University, where he attained a degree in Industrial Arts.

He put his Industrial arts degree to work, teaching in South Heart, ND. After teaching, John became a carpenter, owning and operating Wilson Construction until his retirement. He also enjoyed masonry, and was proud of several pieces he constructed around Williams and McKenzie county.

John was very involved in his communities. He was certified in Fire Rescue as a volunteer with the Alexander Fire Department, Chairman of the “Old Settlers Day” parade for many years, the Lions, American Legion, City Assessor, Home and Garden Show Chairman in Williston, Trinity Lutheran Church board member and president, Zoning Commission of Tioga, and the Cemetery Sexton of United Cemetery of Tioga.

John and his son, Adam, lived in Alexander, ND during Adam’s formative years. They enjoyed many hiking and canoeing trips exploring the North Unit of the Badlands, White Earth and the waters of the Missouri & Yellowstone river systems. John always had a camera along, never missing an opportunity, to capture even the most minute elements of beauty, he found abundant, in the tranquil landscapes of North Dakota.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Norris and Gerda, and his nephew Peter Magnus Wilson. He is survived by his son, Adam Boyd Wilson of Alexander; his brother, James W. (Ann) Wilson, of Salt Lake City, UT; his sister, Ruth (Robert L.) Puttre, of Bismarck, ND; his nieces, Kate Louise Wilson, Julie Ann Puttre and her son, Sean Robert Stanley; his nephew Robert James Puttre and his aunt, Lillian M. Wilson of Minot, ND.