Mt. Pleasant – Ivan J. Wilson, 90, passed away unexpectedly at Racine Commons on Friday, November 17, 2017. He was born in Port Huron, Michigan on April 4, 1927, the son of the late Francis James and Cecilia P. (nee McClellan) Wilson. Ivan served honorably in the US Army, and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He met his future bride, Ruth Anne Root, while attending the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. They married on September 4, 1954. After completing his studies at Moody, Ivan received his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois, and his master's degree from Marquette University.

As newlyweds, Ivan and Ruth Anne moved to Racine and lived more than fifty years in their Kinzie Avenue home. While a job at S.C. Johnson's Wax originally brought them to Racine, shortly after arriving, Ivan opened his own practice as a Certified Public Accountant where he continued to work until he was in his mid-eighties. He and Ruth Anne also owned and operated the 12th Street J&W root beer stand for more than a decade. Ivan was a long-time member of Calvary Memorial Church, and particularly enjoyed the friendships within the King's Couriers Sunday School class.

Ivan is survived by his children Judith Wilson of Freedom, Norman (Tarja) Wilson of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Stephen Wilson of Racine, and Kathryn Wilson of Kent, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Sarah (Scott Krueger), Thomas, Courtney, Jacob, Elizabeth, Christopher, and David; great-grandchildren Luna, Weston, and Isaac Jr.; sister Leslie "Louise" Clune of Cadillac, Michigan; brother Irvin "Bill" (Marlene) Wilson of Marlette, Michigan; and many other relatives and friends. In addition to his wife, Ruth Anne, he was preceded in death by his son Bruce Wilson; daughter-in-law Tammi Wilson; grandson James Wilson; brother George Wilson; and sister Helen Bauman.

Funeral Services will be held at Calvary Memorial Church (4001 Washington Avenue) on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at 11am with Rev. Nathan James officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 10-11am. Private burial will take place in the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. For those who wish to make a memorial, the family suggests donations to Calvary Memorial Church or to a charity of your choice.

Service Details

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Calvary Memorial Church (4001 Washington Avenue)

• Public Visitation – 10:00 a.m.
• Funeral Service – 11:00 a.m.
• Private Interment