Berlin L. Wilson Jr.

Berlin L. Wilson Jr., 90, died peacefully at his home on Friday, January 20, 2023 of Alzheimer’s Disease under the care of his daughter and Avita Hospice.

He was born in Indianapolis on October 5, 1932 to the late Berlin Sr. and Ethel I. (Dugan) Wilson. After graduating from Maxwell (Indiana) High School, Berlin and some friends visited Colorado where he fell in love with the western United States. He served honorably in the US Army in the Korean Conflict and received a Purple Heart. He returned to marry his sweetheart, Lulu B. Pugh, on August 13, 1953. They shared nearly 63 years of marriage when she preceded him in death on July 12, 2015.

Berlin and his new bride moved to St. Louis where he attended trade school and became a gifted mechanic. He worked in order to travel. The senior trip that made him fall in love with the west inspired him to move from Indiana to California where he could be closer to his favorite vacation destinations. In the 40 years he lived there, he worked for several companies, had his own repair shop, and retired from a job he held at Fort Irwin. He also was proud to help his son with his dirt track racing pursuits and, at home, Berlin relaxed by watching the news or reading the paper. He and Lulu were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He will be remembered for his quiet nature and hard work.

Berlin is survived by children, George (Debbie) Wilson of Missouri, Donna (David) Armstrong of Bucyrus, and Jane (Joerg) Rottenbacher of California; 12 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; and brothers, Gary Wilson, Ronnie (Judy) Wilson, and Barry Wilson.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by sons, Richard Lee and James Michael Wilson and siblings, Lanny Wilson, Linda Barnett, and Steve Wilson.

Berlin’s children will gather privately to celebrate his life. Those wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are welcome to make gifts payable to the Alzheimer’s Association and send through Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820.

Memories and photos are encouraged to be shared on Berlin’s Tribute Wall.