Yvonne “Bunner” Wilson

Yvonne “Bunny/Bunner” Marie (Mertens) Wilson, 88, of Staples, passed away peacefully June 1, 2025, at Lakewood Health System Care Center, Staples. 

Funeral services were held June 7, at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples.

Bunny was born October 16, 1936, to Edward and Lena (Robinson) Mertens in Wadena. 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 - working as a cafe waitress, handling office work, including preparing income taxes. As a proud Staples graduate, she helped organize the class reunions enjoying 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 - which she enjoyed. If you were lucky, you would be treated to one of her delicious homemade rolls. For many years, their mornings began with a visit to The Spot Cafe, a daily tradition she 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; three sons, Steve (Rose) Wilson of Iowa Falls, IA, Wayne (Anita) Wilson of Staples and Larry (Patty) Wilson of Waxhaw, NC; one daughter, Kathy Wilson of Staples; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and one sister-in-law, Marilynn Wilson.

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

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