Timothy R. Wilson

Timothy R. Wilson, 70, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2013, in Essentia Health, Fargo, ND. Tim was born December 31, 1942, in Indianapolis, IN, to Bill and Lucille Noonan Wilson. He graduated from high school in Grand Island, NE, and continued his education at Milford Vocational School where he learned to be a diesel mechanic. Tim served in the Army National Guard and worked with Omaha Public Power District. On October 29, 1966, he married Lois Bennett in Paul, NE. Together they made their home in Omaha, NE. Tim started in sales in 1970 with Brand Hydraulics and in 1974, joined JN Fauver and moved to Minneapolis. He was a natural in sales which made him top salesman. In 1977, he started his own business, PortaCo Inc., which manufactures portable hydraulic power units and tools. He started this from his garage while still working with JN Fauver. In 1979, they moved to Moorhead. As PortaCo Inc. gained more clients, Tim made his passion and innovations his full time job in 1985. His blue prints, which evolved into several patents, often started on a napkin. He was proud to build his business and see it grow across the U.S. and internationally. He always felt his employees were more like co-workers and a second family. At the age of 50, he started racing and enjoyed spending time with his sons at Buffalo River Speedway. He loved his “social club” at the Fry’n Pan where he enjoyed voicing his opinion. He also loved being outdoors, fishing, and restoring old vehicles, but most of all loved his family. He was a great husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed.

Tim is survived by his wife, Lois; sons, Doug of Moorhead, MN, Tom Mary of Glyndon, MN; and grandchildren, Taylor, Jonathan, Lane, Daniel and Joe.

He was preceded in death by his son, Patrick; parents, Bill and Lucille; and brother, Wally.

Visitation: Sunday, April 7, 2013, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., with prayer service at 5 p.m., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.
Funeral: Monday, April 8, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN.
Interment: St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.