Gaylen Wilson

Gaylen Wilson, 78, of Thornton, Iowa, died Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015, at his home.

Per Gaylen’s wishes, his body has been cremated and a private inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

Family suggests memorial contributions to the Gaylen Wilson Memorial Fund, 112 Elm St., Apt. 2, Thornton, Iowa.

Gaylen was born June 5, 1937, the son of Lester Lee and Flossie Irene (Caldwell) Wilson, in Iowa City.  He married Ila Oredsen on April 25, 1961.  She preceded him in death on Aug. 15, 2003.

A graduate of Mason City High School, class of 1955, Gaylen joined the United States Air Force, serving for four years.  He was a meat cutter all of his life at various grocery stores before retiring from Hy-Vee West in 1984.  He and Ila bought the Olde Pub in 1985 and operated that for 10 years.

Gaylen enjoyed playing pool and bowling in league with Ila in his younger years.

Gaylen is survived by three children, Beth (Gary) Dorenkamp, of Thornton, Wade (Kaye) Wilson, of Clear Lake, and Blaine (Becky) Wilson, of Swaledale, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Dorenkamp, Adam (Kelton) Dorenkamp, Cody (Britney) Wilson, Samantha Wilson, Cooper Wilson, Amanda Ackerley, and Andrea Ackerley; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, Bill (Elsie) Wilson, of California; three sisters, Gwen Peterson, of Tama, Betty Wilson, of Florida, and Patty (Don) Elsbury, of Mason City; a brother-in-law, Steve (Doris) Oredsen, of California; a sister-in-law, Mavis (Bob) Whelan, of Clear Lake; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ila; a great-grandson, Devlin; three brothers, Bobby, Leland, and Teddy Wilson; a sister, Claudine Scalvi; and a brother-in-law, Shawdow Mineart.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.