Joan Kathryn Wilson died on February 17, 2024 after 91 years of a good life. She was born on October 11, 1932 in Virginia, Minnesota, to A.C. and Rhoda Trebilcock. She would become the oldest of four children. After a few years in Virginia, Joan’s parents took the family throughout the Midwest, her father opening new stores for Sears. She graduated from Aberdeen High School in South Dakota and attended college at St. Olaf in Minnesota where she majored in English and French. She got her first job teaching in Great Falls, Montana where she met her future husband, Kenneth R. Wilson, who was stationed at the Great Falls Air Force Base. They married in 1958 and moved to Massachusetts so Ken could complete his undergrad degree. Afterwards, they moved to Missoula, Montana, so that Ken could attend law school. Joan not only taught at the Missoula County High School to provide for the family but also completed Dad’s final college class, a French correspondence course. Shh, don’t tell anyone.
Joan always wanted to have a large family and she and Ken adopted their first daughter in 1962. Another girl and two boys followed. In 1963 the family moved to Miles City where she lived in the same house on Main Street for over 55 years. She had moved so much as a child that she was determined that her children would not. Joan taught in the high school and middle school of Miles City over the next several years but eventually stopped to focus on her children. As the kids grew up and moved away, she went back to teaching, mostly as a substitute and then as a study hall teacher. So if you were in school in the 1980s and ‘90s she’s probably told a story or two about you. This includes all of you teachers and administrators too!
Over her life, Joan was very active in community groups. She was a member of the Miles City Caledonian Society for decades. Education and music was very important to her and she was a member of the local chapter of the American Association of University Women. She loved theatre and movies, especially musicals. All of her children were involved in music during their school years if not beyond. She was also a member of the Miles City Women’s Club for many years. Joan’s spiritual home was the UCC church where she made many dear friends. She loved going to church there, participating in many church activities, including working in the Thursday used book store. Joan was also a lifelong Democrat and she and a friend frequently manned the Democrats’ booth during the annual County Fair. She was a founding member of the Old Crows luncheon group at the Airport Inn.
Joan had a few brushes with greatness during her life. While a teenager in high school in Aberdeen, S.D., she dated pro baseball pitcher Don Larsen, who was on a farm team at the time. The family still have a baseball signed by all the guys on the team. One of her high school students in Great Falls was Mike Greely, who eventually because the longest serving Montana Attorney General. She also had some nefarious relatives but we don’t talk about that.
Joan conquered many health challenges. We called her the Energizer Bunny because she just kept going and going and going. She was always willing to champion her children and was very proud of them all. She was smart, funny, and a fierce friend. She was an exceptional woman and we will miss her very much.
Joan is survived by three children, Gwendolyn R. Wilson, Edward C. Wilson and K. Matthew Wilson, her sister Toni Esser, two brothers, Chuck and Don, four granddaughters, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her husband and her daughter, A. Elizabeth (Liz) Shearer, predeceased her. No services will be held at this time per her request.
A celebration of life is scheduled for July 6, 2024. It will be an open house from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Tongue River Winery in Miles City, MT.
Donations to your local library in lieu of flowers are requested.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Saturday July 6, 2024
Open House
Tongue River Winery 99 Morning Star Lane
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Saturday July 6, 2024
Open House
Tongue River Winery 99 Morning Star Lane
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Marvin and Lynne Brush says
So sorry for your loss.
Darcy Boggs says
This makes me so sad. Condolences to the family. I got to spend some time with Joan when Judge Wilson was my boss. She was a sweetie and a delight. Hugs to all.
Cecile Wilson Franco says
Dear Matt, Ned and Wendy and family
Sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Have many fond memories of you all visiting Massachusetts. May she be your and Liz. Love to all
Aunt Cecile
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Denise Harvey says
Loved this lady! Always so gracious!
Diane M Welbes says
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Pam Moths Nisley says
Our prayers for comfort! This dear family were our neighbors for decades! May the peace of Christ hold you all in this time of huge loss!
Jan Munroe says
This is a lovely picture of your mom. When we moved here in ’78, Don said he knew the lady across the street. He said she had taught French, I think, at Great Falls HS. Sure enough he was correct. Your dad must have been at the Base. Such a small world. It is so sad to have Joan gone from the neighborhood! My condolences to Ned, Wendy, Matt, and their families.
Evelyn Vancampen says
What a huge loss to all of us. Joan was truly a shining lady and we were always proud to be a close part of her life. She is truly deserving of a rest. Many hugs and loving thoughts to Matt, Ned, Wendy, Erin and other family members. I shall always treasure many dear memories of times when we were together.
Rhonda Bowers says
Ned, so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a very kind person. Thoughts and prayers for you all
Carol Schneidt says
Such a wonderful woman who will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers for her family!
Monica Renae Wilson says
I’m sooooo sorry to hear about Joany😭!! I really really loved this amazing woman. She was one of the best Mother-in-laws anyone could ever ask for ❤. I was just thinking about her and going to come by and see her in March when I was home. Prayers for Ned, Wendy and Matt during this tough time.
Bob Harrington says
Hi Ned, Wendy, and Matt. My sincere condolences on your mom’s passing. She was an amazing lady. Lots of wonderful memories of our visits and good times with you guys in Montana during the 80s and 90s. I’m glad I spent some time visiting her in 2017 when on my cross country motorcycle trip. We had a great visit. The girls seem to all be doing fine, even though I don’t talk with or see the much. You guys are in my prayers. Love, Bob Harrington
Kim Smarsh says
I just loved Joan! She was always so positive and so much fun to be around. My prayers to her family and friends.
Vicky Johnsgard Strom says
Ned, Wendy and Matt, My condolences to you all. Your mom was a beautiful, sweet lady. I know your mom had many laughs and a few stories to tell about me. My junior high antics kept her laughing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cheryl J. Clark says
I’m so sorry to hear this Wendy…peace and love to you as you grieve your loss. ❤️
Kim McRae says
Wendy, Ned and Matt, Much sympathy, Joan was a very classy lady, she adored her children. Many fond memories. Kim
Stacie Hilderman-Fellingham says
It breaks my heart to read this. To say I loved Joan was an understatement. I have so many fond memories from my childhood spent at the Wilson house in the pool or downstairs in the toy room. If I remember correctly I’m pretty sure it was Joan who taught me how to swim. She was always so incredibly kind and generous to all of us Hilderman kids. I remember one Christmas she gave me a reversible Mickey Mouse shirt. I loved that that shirt and wore it until it was threadbare. She always had a special way of making you feel special, and like you were the only person in the room. You will be missed, Joan. Thank you for all the love, laughter, and memories over the years.
Stacie Hilderman says
My sincerest condolences and much love Wendy, Ned, and Matt
Amorette Allison says
One of my favorite people! The library is the perfect memorial.
Steve Craddock says
I was so very fortunate to get to know Joan during the short time I resided in Miles City. And through her sharp understanding of human nature and worldly perspectives, she blessed me with on of my most cherished and poignant memories. What a remarkable woman and true treasure!
Sandy Kent says
Wendy, Ned and Matt – I am so sorry for your loss, and so glad to have been able to experience your mother’s intelligence, wit, and kindness. Having a wonderful family means you lose so much when they are gone. I hope your happy memories, and the strength and support Joan gave you all your lives, will help get you through. I will thinnk of her love for all of you, and her graciousness at the center of the happy collection of family and friends in those sublime Montana days in a long-ago June. I hope you can hold each other close in affection as in sorrow. So sorry –
Ina McRae says
Wendy Ned Ad Matt. Deepest sympathy for you all. A dear friend a classy. Lady. Made her Kilt skirt and Kenny’s sport coat from the Gunn tartan which they wore to all of the Caledonian gatherings. Rest it peace.
Jodie Burnett Rhodes says
Ina, I remember their tartans. I miss those days at the Crossroads. Wonderful memories for all involved. Hope you’re going well yourself 🙏
Jodie Rhodes says
My dear Wendy and your brothers Ned and Matt,
My sincere heartfelt wishes that your memories of her will bring you peace and laughter. The true sides of love.
May she rest in peace along side Kenny and Liz. . She raised a very good family and taught them well. God speed my friend. It’s been 14 yrs since my mom. The last time i saw Joan was at my moms memorial. I had a nice visit with her. . She looked exactly like she had forever. Her kindness was so noticeable. God bless her and all of you
Tracee Raymond-Waples says
To Joan Wilson’s family,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Joan. I remember being a kid going to your family home and hanging out. She was such a sweet lady. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all.
Bob & Eunice Tero says
our deepest sympathy, Joan was a special member of the Wilson family, I remember when Kenny first brought her to Townsend, Cecile and I were about thirteen , she was so kind and thoughtful.
Mandi Sue Bleau says
Dear Wendy, Ned, and Matt, I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of beloved Aunt Joan. I cherish the memories I have of her, and the obituary beautifully captured the essence of her life. May she find eternal peace, and may you find comfort in the precious moments you shared with her.
Carol and Charles Kilbourn says
Sending my condolences to Joan’s family. I only met her once and that was at Phyllis’ funeral, she talked to me as though I were an old friend, and recounted memories of my mother, Catherine , and the times she and Ralph visited them in Montana. I pray the Lord’s peace that passes understanding will be yours during this tough time . Sincerely Carol Wright Kilbourn. Charlie Kilbourn sends his condolences too. He has pleasant memories of when he and his first wife stopped ,in their trailor, on their Western travels, to visit Ken and Joan.
Cheryl Tonn says
This is a lovely picture of Joan. I have many fond memories of times Bill and I spent with Joan and Kenny and the “group” all who are now gone. My sincere sympathies to all!!!
Marci Hare says
A beautiful tribute ! I remember her warm personality and smile. Plus, she made the best “Almond Joy” cookie bars; still have the recipe! Thinking of your family.
NIC says
She will be missed greatly. She was a beautiful lady.