In loving memory of

Paul Terry Wilson
April 17, 1942 - March 2, 2022

Paul Terry Wilson, age 79, of Quincy, passed peacefully into in the arms of Jesus. The veil between Heaven and earth was opened on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at 4:14 pm.

Paul was born April 17, 1942 in Gary, Indiana, the son of James P. and Betty L. Carrington Ligda. He married Joan Rupsis on June 15, 1963 in Michigan City, Indiana. She survives.

Paul received his Bachelors Degree in Engineering from Culver-Stockton College. He was very proud of the time he spent at Joy Manufacturing in Michigan City. Paul and Joan relocated to Quincy in 1989, after Paul accepted a position at Gardner-Denver. He remained with Gardner-Denver until 1997. Paul went on to found Great River Products, a vinyl distribution company, which he ran until his retirement at the age of 62.

Paul proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964. He was a member of the Adams County Republican Party. Paul was an avid supporter of the police. He would do whatever he could to support local law enforcement as well as the Citizens Police Academy. Paul was an enthusiastic supporter of the Special Olympics, and was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan.

Paul was a long time member of St. Peter Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and was the head of the lawn crew until last year. He was a devoted blood donor giving more than 13 gallons of blood over the years. Paul enjoyed tinkering in his garage, doing yard work, and tending to his flower garden. He never missed an opportunity to drive his truck in a local parade. Paul's more adventurous side saw him enjoying go-kart racing and taking a trip to go skydiving. Paul and Joan loved to travel, often taking road trips across the country. They once visited 27 states in 24 days! They would also visit family in Tampa, Florida a few times each year. Paul always looked forward to the Joy Manufacturing Retirees Club trips.

Paul didn't know a stranger, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand in any way that was needed. While raising their children in La Porte, Indiana, Paul and Joan enjoyed hosting pool parties for their children and friends. Paul never missed a school or a sporting event for his children and grandchildren. Above all else, Paul loved spending time with his grandchildren and loving caring for Joan. His homemade blueberry pancakes on Saturday mornings and french toast on Sundays will be missed by all.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Joan, include three children, Scott Wilson of Tampa, FL, Jill (Paul) Obbagy of Schererville, IN, and Jennifer (John) Cifaldi of Quincy; four grandchildren, Jacob Cifaldi, Josh and Jordan Znosko, and Kaitlyn Wilson; four step grandchildren, Paul, Katie, Shannon, and Joey Obbagy; and three siblings, James (Kathy) Wilson, Mike (Cindy) Ligda, and Jan (Dave) Bergstedt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday March 8, 2022 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Services: 10:00 am prayers on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home followed by a 10:30 am Mass of Christian Burial at the Church of St. Peter with Father Leo Enlow officiating.

Burial: 2:00 pm on Friday, March 11, 2022 at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens in Michigan City, Indiana.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, Tunnels To Towers, or Special Olympics Illinois. Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com

www.hansenspear.com


Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.

Tributes

Paul Brown wrote on Mar 9, 2022:

"Jennifer & John, Our thought and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Paul Brown & Janise Denton"

Jan Schultz wrote on Mar 7, 2022:

"To the best brother-in-law anyone could ever wish for. You?ve been there anytime someone or anyone who is in need? That was Paul. My fondest memory was when you were discharged from the Air Force in 1964. You, Joan and myself started the journey back home in your 1957 Ford ?Yellow Dog? and we broke down in the middle of the Mojave desert at 100°+ with no A/C!! I thought we were going to die? But we made it and have had a lot of good memories from it. Lastly, I can?t thank you enough for taking care of my sister, Joan, for all these years. You were the best! So, until we meet again? Love you? Big Bob and Jan "

Mark A. Wiewel wrote on Mar 3, 2022:

"Joan & Family Very sorry for your loss. Eternal rest Paul Chaplain Mark Wiewel Blessing Hospital"

Jay Grawe wrote on Mar 3, 2022:

"Jesus said ?good job, my faithful servant!? What a great man - he will be missed. May His peace be with you all."