Dan P Wilhelm

Daniel Wilhelm, 55, Bismarck, died November 11, 2012, at Sanford Hospital, Bismarck. There will be a private family funeral service. Daniel Patrick Wilhelm was born October 28, 1957, in Bismarck, N.D., to Donald and Betty Wilhelm. He grew up and attended schools in Bismarck and Jamestown and attended college at Northwood Institute in Michigan and Texas. Dan began his career in the family's auto business at an early age, eventually owning and operating Wilhelm Inc. Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Mazda and Saturn in Bismarck until he retired in 2006. What was most defining and admirable about Dan is how he dealt with his diagnosis of Huntington's Disease in 2009. Throughout the disease process, not once did he feel sorry for himself, complain, or even question why he was afflicted with the disease. He faced it with a positive attitude, courage, bravery, and determination. Although Dan eventually passed away due to complications related to the disease, his kindness, humility, and strength will live on in our hearts forever. He was a wonderful gift to us and we were blessed to have him in our lives. He will be greatly missed and we will love him forever. Thankfully, Dan was able to stay at home throughout the duration of his illness, which would not have been possible without the help of special friends. The family would like to thank Sloane, Laura, Mikey, Chelsey, and Joee for helping to care for Dan. Also, a very special thank you to the dentists at Prairie Rose Dentists who always respected the time Meri Beth needed to be home with Dan. Dan is survived by his father and stepmother, Don and Mary Wilhelm, Detroit Lakes, MN; his children, Lance Wilhelm, Jamestown, and Chantelle Allan Williams, Jamestown; his brothers, Rod Sandy Wilhelm, Jamestown, and Jeff Wilhelm, Jamestown; his sister, Lisa Wilhelm Lindberg, Bismarck; his three grandchildren, Ryan, Leo, and Felicity Williams, Jamestown; his uncle, Ray Kiemele, Bismarck; his aunt, Karen Miller, Otis Orchards, WA; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and his best friend and devoted companion of many years, Meri Beth Cornforth, Bismarck. Dan was preceded in death by his grandparents; aunts; uncles; and his beloved mother, Betty O'Donald Wilhelm. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to pay his/her respects to Dan is encouraged to make a contribution to the hospice program of his/her choice, as the caregivers are truly special and caring angels to families dealing with terminal illness.

Dan P Wilhelm

October 28, 1957 - November 11, 2012