Brian R. Wilson

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, September 30, 1947
Date of Death:
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Age:
68 years old

Visitation

Date: Sunday November 22, 2015
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Second Visitation

Date: Monday November 23, 2015
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Memorial Service

Date: Monday November 23, 2015
Time: 2:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, September 30, 1947
Date of Death:
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Age:
68 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, September 30, 1947
Date of Death:
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Age:
68 years old

Brian R. Wilson

Brian Richard Wilson, age 68, from Rochester passed away on Wednesday, November 18th from malignant melanoma. Brian died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Brian was born September 30th, 1947 in Rochester, MN to Curtis A. Wilson and Irene M. Wilson. Brian grew up in Rochester and graduated from Lourdes High School in 1965. He joined the Army in 1966, served as a medic and was honorably discharged in 1972.

Brian graduated in 1970 from the first associate degree nursing class at Rochester State Junior College. He then worked as a RN in the cardiac ICU at St. Marys Hospital. In 1973 Brian graduated from the nurse anesthesia program at Mayo Clinic. He later received his Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from St. Francis University in Joliet, IL. Brian worked as a nurse anesthetist at Mayo Clinic for a short time before moving to Hawaii in 1974 to work at Hilo General Hospital. He returned to Mayo in 1976 and began his 36-year career in the Department of Anesthesia as a nurse anesthetist. He truly loved the opportunity to work with so many wonderful friends, colleagues and patients. Brian retired in June 2010.

Brian was married to Janice Graen in 1972 and they had two children, Matthew and Meghan.

In 1997, Brian married Kathy Kisro Henry in Lutsen, MN. They established their home in Rochester, MN with Kathy’s three daughters, Emily, Jena and Lindsey with lots of visits from Matthew and Meghan.

Brian spent his free time reading more books than humanly possible and begrudgingly loving the Minnesota Twins.  Since retirement, his kids have gotten him involved in hunting, sharing many early morning laughs, sandwiches and coffee with his son and son-in-law in the duck boat. While he couldn’t have cared less if he ever got a duck, he could nap in his boat chair like a pro.

More than anything, Brian cherished his time with family. Whether on the lake, in the woods, or at home, Brian made sure food was on the stove, the grill was ready to go and the refrigerator was full. He made home a place full of joy and “going to Rochester” will always be something his kids and grandkids look forward to.

Brian is survived by his wife Kathy; children Matthew (Kris) Wilson of Prior Lake, MN, and Meghan (Nate) Lien of Blackduck, MN; step-daughters Emily (Grady) Babbitt of St. Charles, MN, Jena Henry (Morgan Pease) of Minneapolis, MN, Lindsey Henry of Rochester, MN; grandchildren Lorelei and Georgia Wilson, Wilson and Cora Lien; step-grandchildren BJ and Keaton Babbitt; brothers Michael, Kevin, Craig, Steve and Dennis.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 23, at Macken Funeral Home, River Park Chapel in Rochester with Father Charlie Collins officiating. The visitation will take place 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 22 at the Macken Funeral Home, River Park Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Brian Wilson Nurse Anesthesia Scholarship Fund, Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 or phone toll free # 855-852-8129.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Condolences

The family of Brian R. Wilson has received the following condolences.

To Kathy and family...I was so very sorry to hear of Brian's passing.  I have such good memories of working alongside you and Brian in the Neuro hallway at St. Mary's Hospital.  I am sending my thoughts and prayers for peace and may God Bless you all. 


Kay Mickelson 

BRIAN WAS FRIEND OF MINE IN GRADE SCHOOL and always fun to be around. I was lucky enough to have contact with him as he got  older to discover he still was a genuine guy and fun to be around. My condolences to all who loved him.


 


Mike  "Mickey" Crumley

Brian was a good classmate.  Sorry to here about his passing.  Prayers go out to his family.

Sent by Macken on behalf of Mary Lou:


Grandchildren,


My deepest sympathy to Kathy, children, grandchildren and the brothers and their families.


- Mary Lou Wilson/Herman

Sent by Macken on behalf of Mary Lou:


Grandchildren,


My deepest sympathy to Kathy, children, grandchildren and the brothers and their families.


- Mary Lou Wilson/Herman

To the Wilson family - you have my deepest sympathy.


Starting work in surgery can be scary and uncomfortable. Brian was always very kind and supportive.


Although I haven't worked with him or Kathy for years, I will always remember those things about him and his humor.


When he and Kathy go together, I couldn't imagine a more perfectly matched couple.


He was one of the good guy. He will be missed, but never forgotten.


My best to Kathy and family.


 


Beverly


 

Dear Matt and Family--


We are thinking of you this week. We hope you have a very special celebration of your dad's life. We've made a contribution to the memorial scholarship fund to honor your dad.


Warm thoughts and prayers,


Your Team


 

Kathy, Lindsey, and family, my sincere condolences to you all during this time of sadness and sorrow. I was glad to have known Brian and won't forget the fun and laughter we all had together in Mexico. My heart and prayers for comfort and love go out to you and your family. Sincerely, Jane Murl

   Over past Christmas Holidays, I remember Brian stopping in for his haircut and bringing in a bottle of his favorite wine. On one occasion he brought in a bottle of Cabernet. When it came time to open the wine, I noticed the artwork on the label. It was done in an Art Deco style with a plus sized couple dancing in celebration, with the name Big Ass Cab ,in reference to the Cabernet , on the label. After we enjoyed the wine, I couldn't bring myself to dispose of that bottle because of the artwork. It sat around for many years and finally I had a friend drill a hole in the bottom and put a string of Christmas lights inside and decorate the outside with the cork and some grapes. I built a little shelf for it and put it by my bar. Brian won't be stopping by  this Christmas Holiday, but I'll think of our many lively conversations and laughs we had over the years, but I'll pour a glass of wine in his memory and Brian," I'll leave the light on for you". 


 


                                                                                                                                            Gary Berg 

My thoughts and prayers with all of you during this time of healing.  So many fun memories and time spent together. Thank you for always asking about my day and making sure my belly was full.  You are missed dearly, take care Brain.


Go Minnesota Twins!!


 


 

As awkward as it might have been to have your wife's ex-husband's niece in your home, you'd never know it in the Wilson house. Brian was always a very gracious host and the few times I met his kids, I was impressed with how much they resembled him in spirit and how much they all seemed to love each other. Kathy and Brian were perfect for each other and I'm glad that she was able to experience great love, even if it wasn't for as long as we hoped for her. Brian was so important to my cousins and such a positive influence of what a man should and could be. My heart breaks that the Earth is minus one more great heart in a time when we seem to need big love more than ever. I pray that the Wilson and Henry children find peace and comfort and I pray that Kathy finds it as well. I hope that they can find strength and know that his love was genuine and that family was everything. The few times I saw Brian and Kathy without Emily around, he would talk about all of the kids with such love and pride and his eyes would sparkle when we talked about the grandchildren. Loss is never easy but I pray that the good life that he lived and the example he set to put family first is a comfort to this fantastic family that I love so dearly.

i will always remember Brian as being a kind, gentle soul with a great sense of humor.  I know he will be missed by everyone who knew him. Mu thoughts and prayers are with his family.

We're sadden by the passing of a good friend. Our memories of Brian will last forever.


Our prayers go out to Kathy during this tough time. 


Gary and Betsy

Brian was a good friend and classmate. Many memories, lots of smiles and laughter, holiday gatherings and reunions...I will miss him. My condolences to the Wilson family.

Kathy,


My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. May time heal your sorrow and may family and friends ease your pain.


 


Brenda Landgrebe

My condolences to Brian's family. I worked with Brian many years ago and have remained a respectful admirer of his ever since. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

Kathy & family of Brian,  so sorry for your loss.  Brian  was a sweet & wonderful  person.  Loved working with  him. He will be missed. 

So very sorry to hear of the passing of Brian.  What a wonderful person to have known.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP Brian!

Brian was always the consummate professional and gentleman...a dear person to have known. Kathy, my thoughts and prayers to you and the family.           Kathy Polikowsky 

Always sad to say Godspeed to a fellow classmate.  Prayers and condolences to Brian's family & friends.

My condolences to Brian's family. Brian was one of the most delightful characters I had the fortune of working with at Mayo. He let to soon, but will always be in your hearts forever. 

Thoughts and prayers for all of Brian's family.  You have lots of great family memories and friends to hold onto for comfort.  Brian was a great colleague to work with. 

Kathy, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.  Remember the good times.


Linda

Kathy and Family,


Our love and prayers go out to you and your family as you go through this difficult time.  You could tell that family meant the world to Brian.  Keep them close along with all of those cherished memories. 


Our love,


Steve & Carol

I'm gonna really miss Brian at deer camp.  What a wonderful father and grandfather I witnessed him be the years I got to know him.  Thank you Brian for giving this world two great friends of mine, Meg and Matty.


Love to the family,


Jason "Puffy", Ellen and Macy Smith

My deepest sympathy to all of Brian's family.


Brian will be fondly remembered and honored by myself and his classmates from Lourdes -1965.


May time bring you peace.


Kathleen Kane Ziegenfuss

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We will continue to pray for you.


Tammy and Joby Looker


Josie and Jenna

Kathy & family, 


So sorry to hear of Brian's passing.  My sympathies to you & your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.


 Louise Prescott

Matt and family,


Words simply aren't sufficient...We were so very sorry to hear of your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. May memories of happier times bring you some comfort in the coming days.


Most sincerely,


Amy and Jonnie Halford

We are so sorry for your loss. I will miss Brian at Deer camp, He seemed to enjoy his time in Blackduck with the group.

Brian truly was a wonderful man; a hard worker, good provider, thoughful husband, loving father and dooting grandparent. He was fun to talk to and really loved his life. I know marrying Kathy was the best thing he ever did. He will be missed but remembered well remembered when we think of his sweet smile and sense of humour. Much love Brian,


Colleen and Kevin Wente

Kathy and family,


So very sorry for your loss.  Sending our deepest sympathy and praying for comfort and peace .  God Bless all of you.

May the memories of Brian and the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead.


Our deepest sympathy's,


Joe and Gail Groteboer

Kathy,


 


My Sincere Sympathy to you on the passing of your Dear Husband, Brian.  Keep your wonderful and precious memories close to your heart. May our Dear Lord and Savior keep you in his tender love and care as you grieve.  Please know I care.

So very sorry to hear about Brian. We are so sorry for your loss and our loss too. Brian was a great guy, always had a good word for everyone and laughed alot.


We will all miss him very much,

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.   Meg - your Dad was always so welcoming and kind and his love for his family was obvious.  We love you.  


Love - Josh, Kristina, Logan & Madison 

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Kathy and family. May all the memories you made together, stay strong in your heart. Rest in peace Brian....

Kathy and family,


 Know that you have our sympathies and we pray for your hearts to quickly heal. Brian was truly a one of a kind husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend.  His wit, love, humor and caring spirit will leave us all with great memories. He will be dearly missed. Have strength knowing the Heavanly Father now holds Brian in His arms  


  God bless you.  


Jim and Mary Jo Battey

I'm so terribly sorry for your loss Meghan.  Your dad was such a "cool dad" and so kindhearted!  He always had a twinkle in his eye.  You and your family will be in my prayers.  


 


Bridget

We are heartbroken at the death of our sweet friend, Brian, and also sad that we are out of town and will miss his Memorial Service. God bless, dear friend; we will miss you forever but will keep your memory alive in our hearts. Our love to Kathy, our Godson, Matt, and sweet Meghan. Chris and Judy Canney

Our Love and Prayers are with you, Kathy and family!! Brian will be missed by all!

Brian was a very special colleague, great to have in the OR, with an intelligence and wit to overcome any challenge.  My deepest sympathy to his family.

Kathy and family, my deepest thoughts and prayers are with you.  I wish peace for you all during this difficult time.

So very sad to lose this special friend and classmate.    My sympathies and prayers to Kathy and his children.    Peace and blessings to you Brian.

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