Mr. Wilson was one of my favorite teachers and to this day (over 40 years later) I often think of him and smile. I took many art classes just because he was the teacher. I still have many of the drawings dating all the way back to 8th grade up to 12th grade that I had drawn in Mr. Wilson’s art room. He always had a smile for staff and students alike. Rest in peace Mr. Wilson, heaven has recieved another wonderful soul!
Dennis J. Wilson
December 13, 1944 – April 11, 2024
A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud for Dennis J. Wilson, age 79, of St. Cloud, who passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the St. Cloud Hospital.
Dennis was born on December 13, 1944, to Woodrow and Eleanor (Vaith) Wilson in Austin, Minnesota. He grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and St. Cloud. He graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1962. Dennis was united in marriage to Jo Ann Milhaupt in 1966 in St. Cloud. Dennis worked as an Art Teacher for 30 years; working in both Plainview and St. Cloud. In his professional field, he enjoyed painting and pottery. His co-workers and students always remembered Dennis for his ability to connect with and entertain people.
Dennis was a loving husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, trike-bike rides, and attending Summer Time by George. Dennis loved animals, especially the many dogs and cats he owned as pets and for Quarter Horses, which he owned and rode throughout his life. He will be remembered for his love of McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets, his wonderful sense of humor, and for the many aliases which-he developed, including, “Inigo Montoya”, “Norman Borlaug”, “Gilmore Trotts” and “Lance Pureheart”.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jo Ann; children, Bill (Mary) and Michael; brother, John (Ann) of Wisconsin; sister, Kate (Terry) DuArt of Tennessee; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marlyn (Carrol) Graves.
A special thank you to the staff of the St. Cloud Hospital for their loving and compassionate care of Dennis.
Due to family allergies, in-lieu-of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Guestbook
Jo Ann & family~ I am thinking of you all and uplifting you in prayer. Dennis ( Mr, Wilson) was one of my favorite teachers. I had many smiles in his class. He was one of a kind with such a great sense of humor. My parents Bill & Deb Hall have fond memories with many laughs that include Dennis & JoAnn. He was very special. May he rest in peace. Eternal rest grant unto him, oh Lord, and the perpetual light shine upon him.
Mr. Wilson was one of my favorite teachers. He left a lasting impression on me. I remember making a clay sculpture of his head as a joke, he finished it and had it on his desk for many years. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Heaven has gained a patient kind man.
Mr. Wilson and his silly aliases are part of my favorite memories of North Jr. High. He always had the best attitude and the patience of a saint. He touched a lot of lives with his art and will always be one of my favorite teachers!!
I am a former student of Mr. Wilson, and I can say he was a very patient man. Never forget making my cookie jar in his class that have a big floppy hat on it. Could not get the hat from drooping and with his patience I was able to do it. I still have that cookie jar to this day. He was a phenomenal teacher, one I will never forget!!
I am a former student from Apollo high school. I was often a slow poke and perfectionist at completing my art projects. I had the hardest time with my pottery piece and missed the deadline for glazing. Unknown to me he glazed my box and on the bottom wrote” if at first…”. The box is the only piece of work that I saved all these many, many years later.
Dennis and I met near the municipal pool in St. Cloud shortly after he moved to St. Cloud in the late 50’s. We connected immediately and he even gave me a ride home to 9th and 26th on his bike. Dennis was a classmate and fellow graduate of the Tech High class of 1962. He was kind, considerate and a good friend for many years. His beloved wife JoAnn was also a THS classmate. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Joann, Bill and Michael. RIP in peace dear friend and I’ll never ever forget the day you gave me that bike ride. God bless.
Dennis, I hope your Weeping Willow survived retirement. I will reflect back on those moments when we were together.
Joann and Family, please accept our sincere condolences.
Al and JoAnne Kampf
Services
Schedule Details
A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the Daniel Funeral Home, in St. Cloud, MN.