Nikita Joseph “Nick” Wilson

Born December 22, 1981, in Reidsville, Georgia, the son of David John and Dagmar Wilson. Nick and his sister spent their childhood in several places throughout the United States and Overseas where their father was stationed for the military. Following his father’s retirement, the family settled in Little Lake, Michigan where Nick graduated from Gwinn High School, Class of 2000. He enrolled at Northern Michigan University, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2004. During his time at NMU, Nick was the disc jockey for their radio station, WUPX. A short time later he was commissioned into the US Army where he served at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2 and flew Blackhawk helicopters for over nine years, with tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. Following his honorable discharge, Nick moved, to the delight of his parents, to Marquette. He became employed as a helicopter pilot for Guardian Flight, based out of OSF St. Francis in Escanaba and was a familiar sight in the skies over Marquette as he routinely piloted emergency runs to and from UP Health System-Marquette. In his leisure time, he enjoyed recreational target shooting and instructing others in the sport, camping with his fiance, Ashley, and friends, and relaxing in their backyard with canine companion, Rocket, feline companion, Groot, and their three ducks. A self-taught musician, Nick had a passion for music and quickly learned any instrument he picked up. Most often he would play his guitar and sing many songs by the fireplace. He enjoyed keeping in touch with friends and Army buddies through online gaming. Nick had also recently discovered a love for cooking and would create amazing dishes, from scratch, for his family. Possessing a magnetic personality and a very good sense of humor he easily drew people to him as he could talk to anyone. He will be remembered for being a dedicated and loyal person who devoted himself to serving others and loving his family and friends.

Nick is survived by his parents, David and Dagmar Wilson of Little Lake; his sister, Tanya Wilmes and her children, Oscar and Elias Wilmes of Berlin, Germany; aunt, Marlene Chirrolo of Indian River, MI; his fiance, Ashley Hernandez of Marquette; his future parents-in-law, Jodi Walimaki of Little Lake, MI and Primitivo “Tony”ù Hernandez of Lombard, IL; pets, Rocket and Groot; and many friends.

Friends may call at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday, June 11, beginning at 11:30 am until the time of service at 1:30 pm. Rev. Greg Heikkala will officiate. Veterans honors will follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.