Matters of the Heart
Pam and Fred Wilson focus on faith and family in their 62 years together
by Joan Tucker
Just this past December 22, Pam and Fred Wilson celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Where does the time go? These two met at Stockbridge High School. They became an item their senior year when Fred, a Stockbridge football player, caught Pam’s attention, and she made it her goal to actively pursue him!
After graduation, Fred attended Air Force school in Illinois where he studied autopilot electronics navigations for the B52 and KC135 jets. When he came home in December, he and Pam married, and she returned with him to Illinois where they spent the next eight months. From there, they went to Kincheloe Air Force Base in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and lived in Sault Saint Marie while Fred completed his Air Force commitment.
Fred recalls how much fun they had during their first Christmas together when a friend brought them a Charlie Brown tree. The couple didn’t have much money then, but they always worked together to find love, fun, and happiness.
Faith was very important to the Wilsons when they married, and it still is. At first, they attended a few Methodist churches but didn’t find the right fit. A friend invited them to attend a Catholic church in Sault Saint Marie that was presided over by a Native American priest, Father James Menapace. This church welcomed them and they became part of its religious structure.
When they returned to Stockbridge, they attended SS Cornelius & Cyprian Catholic Church in Bunkerhill. They continue to attend services there and are active members in the church. Fred belongs to the Father Gerald Chapman Knights of Columbus, while Pam currently is part of the SS Cornelius & Cyprian Women’s Group. Through their many years of volunteerism and dedication, they have developed a group of close friends. These 17 folks go out to dinner together most every Friday and usually out to breakfast after mass on Sundays. As sociologists say, people who have a community of friends live happier and longer lives.
Family is also a very important part of the Wilsons’ lives. They were fortunate to have three sons. Kevin, married to Dara, lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and they have two children. Jeff, married to Shelly, lives in Charlotte, SC; they also have two children. Eric, married to Mary, lives in Vandercook Lake and they have three children. In addition to their seven grandchildren, the couple has six great grandchildren.
This couple of 62 years spends vacations visiting their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. How rewarding to be able to develop relationships with grandchildren as well as great grandchildren!
When asked about advice for newly married couples, Pam states that you shouldn’t always expect it to be 50/50. Sometimes you have to give more. This balance changes as you support one another through life. For example, Pam had to give extra while Fred attended college to complete his degrees in engineering and business. But more recently, Fred took over the majority of the work when Pam had knee surgery. This is all a part of life.
Pam encourages others to work through their issues and Fred, laughing, says making up can be fun too!
As Valentine’s Day approaches, this beautiful couple will continue to celebrate each other and look forward to their shared years of love and support.
Photos provided by Fred and Pam Wilson.
Pam and Fred Wilson were married in December 1962. They met when both were attending Stockbridge High School.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Pam and Fred Wilson continue to celebrate each other and 62 shared years of love and support.
