About

I was born in 1957 in Chicago, IL. I have 2 brothers, Paul and Tim and 2 sisters, Linda and Greta. My family gradually moved from the city to a farm in Woodstock, IL in 1968. The 150 Acre farm was developed in the mid 1800’s. We grew corn and alfalfa and raised beef cattle, sheep and horses.

My ancestors came from Scotland, Sweden and Norway in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. I have fond memories of stories told of emigrating to America and settling in the prairies of Chicago’s West Side. Some even ventured further from Chicago as farmers in Woodstock, IL where we eventually had our farm. My roots are deep in Northern Illinois.

After High School, 1975, I went off to study at LeTourneau College in Longview, TX. I was not ready for college and was asked to leave after 1 semester. I sowed some wild oats for 4 months. I had to ride 1000 miles from home to school and 1000 miles back to get my stuff with my dad. He had a 2 hour conversation with the Dean that covered me breaking every rule in the handbook. Those were sad times. I returned the next year, 1976-77, and was again asked to leave after 2 semesters. Bad grades but not as much bad behavior. I returned home to try a local community college. I was not successful. College was not for me, or so I thought.

My best friend, Brian, and I decided that we should go to an automotive and diesel school in Denver, CO. In the summer of 1978 we drove west. We shared a studio apartment on Bechtel Blvd in Denver. I thrived at that school. It was 8 hours a day of hands on and book learning. I found I had the capacity to learn. I got straight A’s and had perfect attendance. We stayed there almost 2 years. They were great days in the most beautiful part of the country. Graduation with Doctor of Motors Certificates in Automotive and Diesel Mechanics brought me back to Woodstock.

I was in Church one Sunday evening in December 1979. I saw Deb Sherman sitting in a pew by herself. She had just graduated from Moody Bible Institute and was back in her hometown of Crystal Lake, IL. We knew each other from youth group at the Crystal Lake E Free Church. I sat next to her. We set a date to see Foul Play, a movie with Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn. 5 months later we were married an May 21st 1980. I love her more than anything and thank God for bringing us together.

Not satisfied with being a diesel engine mechanic at Colt Pielstick in Beloit, WI, I went back to LeTourneau for a third time. My grandfather, Paul Wilson Sr., wanted me to go to school there. He sent me down for a preview in my Junior year of HS. RG Letourneau was a great inventor and an even better follower of Jesus Christ. He gave away 90% of his income and kept 10% for himself. He started LeTourneau College for WWII vets to learn a trade and work in his plants in Longview. 3 months after getting married, Deb and I left for Texas. Deb was not thrilled with the idea but was supportive. We lived in student housing on campus. Deb worked at McDonalds. I started an automotive repair shop called Todd’s Automotive. We both got hooked on golf and ended up working for Chuck Williams who owned Alpine Golf Club. We met some fine Texans who loved on 2 Yankee’s. I finally got my BS Business Degree in December of 1984. Persistence pays off. Deb encouraging me to wrap this chapter of our life up was also crucial.

More to come……