Blaine Lyn Wilson

May 19, 1964 ~ December 21, 2021

Blaine L Wilson 57, Sioux Falls, Died Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at his home, following multiple health issues.

Visitation with family present will be 5-7 pm, Monday, December 27 2021 at Southern Hills United Methodist Church. (3400 E. 49^th St. Sioux Falls, SD). A Celebration of Life will be 11am, Tuesday, December 28, 2021, also at Southern Hills UMC, followed by Full Military Honors. Visitation will begin at 10am. A video link to stream live https://www.sohillsumc.org/Live%20Stream.htm

In lieu of flowers, a Memorial has been established in Blaine’s honor to help the South Dakota debate community.

Blaine Lyn Wilson was born on May 19, 1964, to Jim and Vera (Foss) Wilson of Bison, South Dakota. When he wasn’t herding cattle on the family ranch, Blaine was active in football, basketball, and track, where he set records that he claimed still stood to this day (mainly because they no longer run the event). After graduating from Bison High School, he attended the University of South Dakota where he achieved a Bachelor of Science in Education and developed a healthy disdain for the Jackrabbits. He used this degree for a year while teaching in Artesian before moving up to Sioux Falls where he jumped between a variety of sales jobs.

In 1993, Blaine met Susan Francis and they soon became inseparable. They were married on November 25, 1995, and were blessed with their two sons, Tyler and Brendan, who brought them immense amounts of joy. Being a husband and father was a huge part of Blaine’s life.  He loved spending time with his kids while they were growing up as their soccer coach, softball parent, and when the boys got into high school, he became involved with the Debate program, judging every weekend he was available. He often gave thanks that they didn’t force him into becoming a show choir parent.  Blaine and Susan celebrated their 10^th Wedding Anniversary with the boys at Walt Disney in FL.  Then, for their 20^th Wedding Anniversary, Blaine took Susan to Cozumel, Mexico, for a week of relaxation and sun.

Blaine was in the Army National Guard and Air National Guard for over 20 years.  Being in the National Guard allowed Blaine to travel to Panama, Canada, Germany and more.  Based on the stories he loved to tell, he was proud to serve his country. He also became a Certified Lay Minister through the United Methodist Church which included service as the Conference Lay Leader for the Dakotas Conference. His faith was important to him, and he helped several congregations that no longer had a pastor continue to have services by putting together a team of individuals to help them continue worshiping the Lord.

Despite the grey hairs caused by his children, Blaine was still a kid at heart. A true Goofy Goober, his sense of humor was always present, and he never heard a Dad Joke that couldn’t be repeated. He raised his kids on SpongeBob and Veggie Tales and wouldn’t hesitate to use his dulcet tones to belt out the “Rubber Ducky” song. He developed his own brand of dances specifically for putting on pajamas and loved to give the young cousins an ‘upside down belly zurbit’. He always thought that his kids were number one, no matter how much they pestered him.  

Blaine will be dearly missed by his wife of 26 years, Susan; his two sons, Tyler, Eagan, MN, and Brendan, Eden Prairie, MN; his brother, Paul (Jacki) Wilson, Mina Lake, SD; and his sister, Paula (Rex) Eichelberger, Avoca, IA; his aunt and uncle, Myrna and Chuck Mertz, Belle Fourche, SD; his aunt, Elaine Peck, Parker, CO; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear family friends.

Blaine was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Vera (Foss) Wilson; and his aunt and uncle, Bonnie and Hugh Scarborough.