Albert Wilson, 85, a lifelong Drayton area farmer passed away at Unity Medical Center in Grafton, North Dakota on Saturday, August 26, 2017. Albert was born August 30, 1931 to Albert and Alma (Sandburg) Wilson at Drayton.  He graduated from Bowesmont High School and went on to attend North Dakota State College of Science in Whapeton, North Dakota.  After completing his education he went on to serve with the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War.  Albert was united in marriage to Veronica Gerou March 2, 1957 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  The couple farmed near Drayton for many years.  Following retirement Al and Veronica made their summer home at Lake of the Woods where he cherished time on the water with his fishing pole.  He also operated a stump grinding business at Lake of the Woods during the summer.  During the winter months they spent their time in Texas where Al was able to continue to golf and enjoy deep sea fishing.  Al was active in civic and fraternal organizations and proudly served on the KodaBank board for 40 years. Family was Al's priority and the time he could spend with Veronica, Boyd, Jill and granddaughters, Meghan and Lindsey were treasured.  They enjoyed numerous trips together, but Al's favorite story was about the record sized walleyes each of his granddaughters caught at Lake of the Woods.  Hospitality and kindness were trademarks of Al's life. He loved people and enjoyed sharing all that life offered with family and friends.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Veronica; a son, Boyd (Jill) Wilson, Lino Lakes, MN; granddaughters, Meghan Rose and Lindsay; a brother, Raymond, Bowesmont, ND; a sister-in-law, Maxine Wilson, Joliette, ND, as well as nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Leslie Claire Wilson; a sister, Jean Anderson, and brothers, Vernon and Marvin.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Edward's Catholic Church in Drayton. Fr. Joseph Okogba, presiding; Mary Beth Bushlack,  cantor;  Karen Schumacher, organist and Shirley Van Camp, soloist.  Military honors accorded by the Drayton American Legion and the North Dakota National Guard. Visitation will be held at Austin Funeral Chapel in Drayton on Friday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30.