Yvonne Wilson

Yvonne “Bunny/Bunner” Marie (Mertens) Wilson, 88 years old, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Lakewood Care Center.

Bunny was born on October 16, 1936, in Wadena, Minnesota, to Edward and Lena (Robinson) Mertens. She graduated from Staples High School in 1954. On August 21, 1954, she married Walter Wilson, and together they made their home in the Staples area, where they raised their four children. While Walt worked on the railroad, Bunny was dedicated to being involved in their children’s activities throughout their years.

As a child, her dad started calling her “Bunny,” and the nickname stuck with her for life—along with her love of collecting little bunny figurines. Over the years, Bunny did a bit of everything—from working as cafe waitress to handling office work, including preparing income taxes. As a proud Staples graduate, she helped organize the class reunions and always enjoyed catching up with her classmates. She found joy in volunteering as a “den mother” for Cub Scouts. When their kids were young, summers often meant a day at Dower Lake with the neighborhood kids.

As they grew older, Bunny and Walt spent many summers at the Akeley campground, often joined by their kids and grandkids. If you stopped by their home, chances were you would end up in a game of Yahtzee, Cribbage, or Hand-and-Foot - she loved playing those games. And if you were really lucky, you would get one of her delicious homemade rolls. For many years, their mornings began with a visit to The Spot Cafe, a daily tradition she always looked forward to.

Bunny’s greatest joy came from being surrounded by the people she loved - whether family or friends - she cherished every moment spent together.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she is survived by her husband of 70 years, Walt; her children, Steve (Rose) Wilson of Iowa Falls, IA; Wayne (Anita) Wilson of Staples; Kathy Wilson of Staples; and Larry (Patty) Wilson of Waxhaw, NC. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marilynn Wilson; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Bunny was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Lena; stepfather Art Meinhardt; her sister Jeanie; niece Doreen; and brother-in-law Dick.

A funeral service to honor Bunny will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, June 7, at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples. Visitation will begin at 10am.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.