Gerald A. Wilson

Gerald A. Wilson, 87, Goshen, passed away Jan. 13, 2021, at his home.

He was born Nov. 3, 1933, in Goshen to Ora and Gola (Shrock) Wilson. On Dec. 4, 1955, he married Roma Weldy.

She survives along with three sons: Kent (Darlene) Wilson and Gregory (Kim Evans) Wilson, both of Goshen; and Jeffrey Wilson, Cromwell; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and two siblings, Veradine Berkey, Elkhart and Lyle Wilson, Goshen.

He graduated from Jefferson Township School in 1951 after attending there 12 years. He received a Bachelor’s degree from Goshen College in 1955 and a Master’s degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 1961.

He spent over 40 years as an educator – retiring from Middlebury Community Schools in 1998 after 34 years in the school system. He taught at Jefferson School, his alma mater, for two years and then as principal for 27 years. During his tenure at Jefferson School the school evolved from a K-12 school to a K-8 and then a K-5. He was the first Assistant Superintendent of the school district, serving for four years.

He also served seven years at Betania Mennonite School near Aibonito, Puerto Rico under Mennonite Board of Missions. He served as teacher for two years and as principal for five years.

After being retired for a few years, he began teaching English as a Second Language at Northridge High School during the 2002-03 and 2010-11 school years.

He grew up in the Clinton Frame Church and was a longtime member of Pleasant View Church.

From time to time Gerald and his wife owned and operated several small businesses: Wilson’s Rental Properties, Nappanee Dairy Queen, Clark Convenience Store and Wilson’s Sunoco. He was also involved with his son, Kent, in the Dollar Store at College Plaza.

Public visitation, following the county COVID guidelines, where 25 people at a time will be allowed to visit, will be  held from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 17, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A private family funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, at the funeral home.

The service will be streamed and the link will be posted on www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com.

Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Pleasant View Church or Jefferson Elementary School, Goshen, at Interra Credit Union, Gerald Wilson Memorial Fund.