Orville "Bud" Wilson

Orville “Bud” Wilson, 87, of Mondamin, Iowa passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Burgess Health Center, Onawa, Iowa, surrounded by his family.

A private family memorial service will be held at the Goslar Funeral Home Chapel, Onawa, Iowa with Pastor Wayne Bahr, officiating. Burial will be held in the Magnolia Cemetery, Magnolia, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Orville LeRoy Wilson was born January 9, 1939 at his family home in Mondamin, Iowa, the son of LeRoy and Wilma (Johnson) Wilson. Orville graduated from Mondamin High School with the class of 1957. During his youth, Orville worked alongside his father shelling corn and also hauled cream and milk on a route for Pilley’s Dairy in Sioux City, Iowa. Following high school, he served in the United States Army Reserve from 1958 to 1962, attending trade school during the week and fulfilling his reserve duties on weekends.

Orville “Bud” Wilson and Cleona Hinkel were united into marriage February 2, 1962 in Mondamin, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Maredith, Lisa, and Chad. Together, they found great joy in raising their children, building a life centered on family. On weekends, Bud and Cleona especially loved spending time on the dance floor, sharing laughter and making memories together.

Throughout his career, Bud held a variety of hands-on jobs that reflected his strong work ethic and knack for mechanics. He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and later at Vickers Hydraulic Company in Omaha, Nebraska, before returning to Mondamin to drive a fuel truck for the Coop. Along the way, he also ran a trash route and owned/operated J & B Small Engine Repair. Bud truly enjoyed staying busy, especially when it involved tinkering, he took particular pride in rebuilding pedal cars and bringing them back to life. Bud dedicated thirty years of service to Mondamin Fire & Rescue, in Mondamin, Iowa.

After retiring, Bud continued to stay active by driving a school bus and working as a janitor at the school for several years. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and bowling, but nothing brought him more happiness than supporting his grandchildren. Whether attending sports events, dance recitals, 4-H activities, or music programs, Bud was always there—proudly cheering them on and celebrating each of their accomplishments.

Survivors include his children, Maredith (Tim) Hodgson of Blencoe, Iowa, Lisa (Roger) Wrich of Blair, Nebraska, and Chad (Rachelle Thibert) Wilson of Mondamin, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Heath (Erin) Hodgson, Tasha (Peter) Lewis, Garrett (Alisha) Wrich, Margo (Caleb) Hartmann, Sophia Wrich, Skyler Beck, and Amber Wilson; five great-grandchildren, Ada, Lena, Ellodie, Burke, Tyler, and one great-granddaughter on the way, Quincy; sister, Carol (Roger) Spooner of Mondamin, Iowa; brother-in-law, Larry “Bing” (Tena) Hinkel of Mapleton, Iowa; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Wilma (Johnson) Wilson; his wife, Cleona (Hinkel) Wilson; parents-in-law, John and Gilma (Kline) Hinkel; granddaughter, Liza Wilson Wrich who passed away on October 6, 2004; infant sister-in-law, Emma Hinkel; three brothers-in-law, Lyle Hinkel, Earl Hinkel, and Kermit Hinkel; and many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com

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