Brian Richard Wilson, age 68, from Rochester passed away on Wednesday, November 18 ^th from malignant melanoma. Brian died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Brian was born September 30th, 1947 in Rochester, MN to Curtis A. Wilson and Irene M. Wilson. Brian grew up in Rochester and graduated from Lourdes High School in 1965. He joined the Army in 1966, served as a medic and was honorably discharged in 1972.

Brian graduated in 1970 from the first associate degree nursing class at Rochester State Junior College. He then worked as a RN in the cardiac ICU at St. Marys Hospital. In 1973 Brian graduated from the nurse anesthesia program at Mayo Clinic. He later received his Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences from St. Francis University in Joliet, IL. Brian worked as a nurse anesthetist at Mayo Clinic for a short time before moving to Hawaii in 1974 to work at Hilo General Hospital. He returned to Mayo in 1976 and began his 36-year career in the Department of Anesthesia as a nurse anesthetist. He truly loved the opportunity to work with so many wonderful friends, colleagues and patients. Brian retired in June 2010.

Brian was married to Janice Graen in 1972 and they had two children, Matthew and Meghan.

In 1997, Brian married Kathy Kisro Henry in Lutsen, MN. They established their home in Rochester, MN with Kathy's three daughters, Emily, Jena and Lindsey with lots of visits from Matthew and Meghan.

Brian spent his free time reading more books than humanly possible and begrudgingly loving the Minnesota Twins.  Since retirement, his kids have gotten him involved in hunting, sharing many early morning laughs, sandwiches and coffee with his son and son-in-law in the duck boat. While he couldn't have cared less if he ever got a duck, he could nap in his boat chair like a pro.

More than anything, Brian cherished his time with family. Whether on the lake, in the woods, or at home, Brian made sure food was on the stove, the grill was ready to go and the refrigerator was full. He made home a place full of joy and "going to Rochester" will always be something his kids and grandkids look forward to.

Brian is survived by his wife Kathy; children Matthew (Kris) Wilson of Prior Lake, MN, and Meghan (Nate) Lien of Blackduck, MN; step-daughters Emily (Grady) Babbitt of St. Charles, MN, Jena Henry (Morgan Pease) of Minneapolis, MN, Lindsey Henry of Rochester, MN; grandchildren Lorelei and Georgia Wilson, Wilson and Cora Lien; step-grandchildren BJ and Keaton Babbitt; brothers Michael, Kevin, Craig, Steve and Dennis.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 23, at Macken Funeral Home, River Park Chapel in Rochester with Father Charlie Collins officiating. The visitation will take place 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 22 at the Macken Funeral Home, River Park Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Brian Wilson Nurse Anesthesia Scholarship Fund, Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 1 ^st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 or phone toll free # 855-852-8129.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com