Dennis Wilson

Dennis Dana Wilson died Saturday, February 19, 2022 peacefully in his home.   Born February 15, 1947 in McCook, NE, he was the oldest son of Clifford Dana Wilson and Cora Elaine Glenney.  He enjoyed a wonderful childhood in McCook with his many friends, and his younger brothers Mark and Martin.  They enjoyed fishing, hunting, and riding the Burlington train to many childhood adventures.  He excelled in baseball, and was part of a traveling Legion team. He graduated from McCook high school in 1965.

He joined the Army through volunteer draft in September 1967.  After basic training, he spent one year in Vietnam as a scout dog handler with the 35th Infantry Platoon (Scout Dog) 1st Infantry Division.  He became an E5 sergeant earning two bronze stars.  He and his German Shepherd, Caesar, led many troops through jungle terrain, ensuring their safe movement throughout Vietnam.  He participated in more than twenty-five aerial missions over hostile territory, in support of combat ground forces.

After returning home, he attended Wayne State College earning a degree in Business. In 1972 he married Sandy Skibinski.  They had one daughter, Kelli, in 1979.  He worked for Household Finance for several years before becoming the owner of several Culligan dealerships throughout Kansas and Nebraska.  

In 1982 he moved to Red Cloud, NE..  In 1992, he married Cheryl Pegg.  They operated many businesses in Red Cloud, including the Culligan dealership, until his retirement in 2006.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing.  He especially enjoyed all the Street Car Days events where he  participated in the many humorous floats sponsored by the Palace Lounge.  He loved playing golf at the Red Cloud Country Club and served as President for several years.  In 2005, he and Cheryl completed building their home where they enjoyed the view of the golf course during their retirement.  

Preceding him in death were his parents and  brother Martin Wilson.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife Cheryl, children Kelli (Patrick) Daly, Dean (Kim) Pegg, Dana Pegg, Amber (Erian)  Laperi.  Brother Mark (Valerie) Wilson, Sister-in-law Wendy Wilson. Grandchildren Tristen Pegg, Nathan Laperi, Grace Laperi, Isabella Daly, Hudson Daly, Bennett Daly, Faith Laperi, Margot Daly, many nieces, nephews, and a host of wonderful  friends.  

Services were Friday, 10:30 am, February 25, 2022 at the Episcopal Church in Red Cloud with Fr. Charles Peek officiating. Interment with military honors was at the Red Cloud Cemetery.

Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska  68970

Phone 402-746-2500
williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com

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