DeFord Wilson, (Dee), left this world on April 1, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born on November 26, 1933, in Starke County, Indiana. Dee’s final days were spent surrounded by the love of his family.
Dee was the son of the late Fred Wilson and Berneice Wilson Udvardi and step-son of Frank Udvardi. His life was a testament to love and commitment, as evidenced by his loving marriage of sixty-seven years to Julie VanDyck. They exchanged vows on November 16, 1957 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in South Bend, Indiana. Together, they raised a family that includes a son, Mark (Shelly) Wilson, and a daughter, Kathy Knoll (Larry Lewis). Dee’s role as Grampy was one he held dear, delighting in the lives of his four grandchildren, Chad Wilson, Brooke (Colin) Klug, and Davis & Ethan Knoll. He has two great-grandsons, Nash and Coleson Klug. He is also survived by cousins Cheryle, Gloria, Margo, and Carla, who were like sisters to him.
Dee served his country with pride in the U.S. Navy, assisting as a medic to the U.S. Marine Corps at Parris Island, SC. His love of country and dedication to service was a hallmark of his character. Before his military service, he pursued higher education, earning a degree in mortuary science. Dee’s professional life was marked by compassion and care as he worked for many years in the funeral industry. His career also spanned a successful tenure with Local Finance and later as a regional manager in the RV industry, working for many years at Dometic Corp. and Onan Corp. Dee’s work ethic and leadership were respected by colleagues and associates alike. Dee was a respected landlord for many years and took pride in maintaining the properties and building lasting friendships with the tenants.
Throughout his life, Dee was deeply involved in his community. Since 1962, he was a proud 3rd & 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 708 Niles, the American Legion Post 51 in Buchanan, and the Papasan-Mamasan Korean War Veteran Association, where he forged lasting friendships and contributed to numerous charitable endeavors. His faith was a cornerstone of his existence, and for over fifty years he was a devoted member of St. Mark Catholic Church. Dee served the church as an active member of the Usher’s Club, a role he fulfilled with unwavering dedication and a welcoming smile.
Dee’s interests and hobbies were as varied as they were passionate. He had a love for travel, exploring the U.S. and abroad, and cherished the winters spent in Florida. A fervent Notre Dame fan, Dee rarely missed a game and his enthusiasm was often entertaining. Above all, family was the center of Dee’s world. He relished in being “Grampy,” a nickname that embodied the warmth and joy he brought to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives.
Those who knew Dee will remember him as a man of deep faith, family and service. His loyalty, generosity, and work ethic were foundations of his character. Dee approached life with a friendly demeanor that drew people to him, and his kind spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dee’s memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306 or to St. Mark Catholic Church, 3 N. 19th Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.
A time of visitation will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Brown Funeral Home, Niles, MI, with a Recitation of the Rosary at 3:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church, 3 N. 19th Street, Niles, Michigan at 11 am on Monday, April 7, 2025 with Father Peter Rocca, C.S.C. and Brother Dennis Meyers, C.S.C. officiating. Full Military Honors will be rendered at Calvary Cemetery by the U.S. Navy and American Legion Post 51.
Dee’s life story is one of love, service, and loyalty. He navigated the world with a generous heart, leaving a legacy of laughter, kindness, and cherished memories. As we say goodbye to Dee Wilson, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man dearly loved. He will be profoundly missed, but his spirit will continue to guide and inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Services
Visitation
Sunday, April 6, 2025 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Stree,t Niles, MI 49120
Recitation of The Rosary
Sunday, April 6, 2025 3:30PM – 4:00PM
Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120
Recitation of The Rosary begins.
Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, April 7, 2025 11:00AM – 12:00PM
St. Mark Catholic Church, 3 N. 19th Street, Niles, MI 49120
Mass of Christian Burial begins.
Full Military Honors
Monday, April 7, 2025 12:30PM – 1:00PM
Calvary Cemetery, Chicago Road Niles, MI 49120
Posted On: Thursday, April 3, 2025 3:36 PM
