C Wilson Persinger

SIOUX CITY -- C. Wilson Persinger, 87, of Sioux City died Sunday, May 16, 2010, at his residence.

Private family services will be held. Private graveside services will be held in Logan Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Wilson was born March 8, 1923, in Sioux City, the son of Clarence and Mildred (Wilson) Persinger. He graduated from Central High School and attended Iowa State University. Wilson served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and was stationed in Italy. He was awarded several medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Wilson married Louise Gunderson in 1946 at Kenyon, Minn. He served as president of Wilson Trailer Company from 1952 until 1982 and was currently serving as chairman of the board.

Survivors include his wife, Louise of Sioux City; five children, Wilson G. "Bill" Persinger and his wife, Lynn of Dakota Dunes, S.D., Elizabeth Louise Grodahl of Rochester, Minn., Jane Dokken and her husband, Russ of Cincinnati, Ohio, John Persinger and his wife, Connie of Sioux City, and Sara Henke and her husband, Michael of Lenexa, Kan.; 10 grandchildren, Melissa Andersen, Tiffany Hunt, Wilson B. "Will" Persinger, Ashley and Samantha Dokken, Britni and J.P. Persinger, Justin and Ben Henke and Elizabeth Grodahl; and two great-grandchildren, Isaiah Andersen and Aidan Hunt.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Jeannette Huff; and a granddaughter, Wendy Persinger.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Sioux City Boys Club.