Tim “Toad” Wilson, 76, of Burlington, died Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice, West Burlington. Born on Sept. 25, 1947, Mr. Wilson was the son of Earl and Pauline Grant Wilson. The family moved to Burlington in 1956.
Toad graduated from Burlington High School in the Great Class of 1965 and attended Southeastern Community College; Methodist College in Fayetteville, North Carolina; and University California in Berkeley, Calif. He lived in California for 17 years. He also lived in Florida, North Carolina, Chicago, Minneapolis, Boulder, Indiana, Iowa, and Arizona. Wanderlust, I guess, had Tim move 26 times. Whoa Nellie! He doesn’t need maps anymore.
He started in the swimming pool and solar industries in 1978. He moved to Arizona in 1996, and remained in the solar and swimming pool industries and did pet sitting. “Pet Whisperer”, also known for his love of pets. A few years ago, he tallied 23 cats, 12 dogs and 3 toads from the cradle to grave. Starting in 2000, he named his pets after his parents, Pauline and Earl – always two at a time, or more and helped raise six kids. All are part-time pet sitters in four states.
Survivors include one sister, Vicki Villarreal, of Mundelein, Ill. and one nephew, Paul Villarreal, of Illinois and several cousins. In accordance with Mr. Wilson’s wishes, his body has been cremated. Graveside committal will take place in the family lot in New Sharon, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution to The Humane Society of the U.S. or Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAW).