Dana Wilson of Rockford, IL, departed this earthly life on August 7, 2025. Born on March 12, 1963, in Rockford, he was the son of Gloria Wilson and James Spence Jr. Dana married Kristine Dixon on July 2, 1991, and together they built a loving family.

He was a dedicated employee at Ingersoll Cutting Tools and a passionate football player during his school years at Gulford High School and Rock Valley College. Dana shared his love for the sport by coaching at Northwest Community Center and the Rockford Park District.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Kristine, his children Dana D. Wilson, Danielle Hall, Christopher Wilson, Amanda Thomas, and Cheyenne Dixon, as well as 19 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Kenneth Spence, Jason Spence, and James Spence III, his sister Kimberly Wilson, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Dana was predeceased by his parents, his maternal grandmother Nicey Wilson, his paternal grandparents Commadore and Albert Dawson, his sisters Tracy Wilson, Hope Spence, and Lynette Wilson, and his brothers Roderick Spence, Terry Spence, and Jonathan Spence.