Nestled in the heart of Lapeer, the Wilson family exemplifies the values of hard work, togetherness, and community spirit. From a chance meeting in a hockey chat room to running a beloved family business, Ryan and Crystal Wilson have built a life rich in love, shared purpose, and cherished traditions.
Ryan and Crystal’s love story began 26 years ago in an online chat room where their shared love for hockey sparked an enduring connection. Despite Ryan’s loyalty to the Detroit Red Wings and Crystal’s allegiance to the Colorado Avalanche, their differences only added to the charm of their budding relationship. In January 2000, Ryan proposed at Niagara Falls, Canada, marking the start of a beautiful journey together. They tied the knot on July 12, 2003, in Golden, Colorado, surrounded by loved ones.
Ryan, a Lapeer East High School alumnus, has devoted nearly 28 years to his craft as a skilled meat cutter getting his start at the Metamora IGA. Today, he proudly owns and manages The Country Market, which has become a staple in the community. Crystal, originally from Colorado, has a rich background in education. With an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in English as a Second Language, she has dedicated herself to the Lapeer Community Schools as a paraprofessional and in the past a secretary to Kids and Co and Murphy Elementary.
Their greatest joys have been welcoming their three daughters: Ryanna (16), Gracie (14), and Maria (10). “Finding out we were expecting each of our daughters are memories we hold close to our hearts,” Crystal shares. The Wilson daughters are simply impressive. Ryanna, a high school junior, juggles National Honor Society duties, Jazz Band performances, and a job at the family market. Gracie, an eighth grader, showcases her musical talents in band and theater while excelling academically in the National Junior Honor Society. She has been working at the market for a year now. Youngest daughter Maria shines as a clarinet player, a Student Council member, and a participant in the TAG (Talented and Gifted) program. She’s always at the market as well and loves to help carry groceries out to patrons’ vehicles.
The Wilsons are deeply committed to their local community. Ryan’s sponsorship of Chase Burda Motorsports, along with the market’s community fundraising efforts and blowout meat sales, exemplify his dedication to giving back and supporting the community. Crystal brings joy through her love of music, dancing, crocheting, and gardening, while also fostering meaningful family and friend connections. Living on a spacious two-acre property next to The Country Market, the Wilson family treasures the sense of freedom and comfort their home provides and hosting bon-fires with good food, friends, and family is a highlight of the Wilson home. “Our neighbors have been like family to us,” Crystal explains. “We each moved into our homes 19 years ago. We keep an eye on them, and they keep an eye on us! We adore this town and our bond with the community has only grown stronger. When someone needs help, the people here step up.”
“The family that works together, grows together,” is the Wilson family’s guiding philosophy. This belief is evident in the way they manage their business, nurture their relationships, and support one another through life’s challenges and triumphs. They also say, “Help out whenever you can, however you can” and while their time is largely devoted to running The Country Market, the Wilsons aspire to become more involved in community activities in the future.
The Wilsons don’t get to travel a whole lot, but Crystal and the girls travel to Colorado to visit extended family, adding yet another layer of warmth and connection to their lives. One of the favorite things the family enjoys to do together is fishing. It slows down the hustle and bustle of everyday life and allows the family to connect in conversation while soaking in nature for a comforting respite of busy schedules. Their Pitbull, Remmy, is a cherished member of the family. Known for his quirky habit of chewing on his back leg like the hyena Ed from The Lion King, Remmy embodies the playful, affectionate nature of the Wilson household.
The Wilsons extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Lapeer community. “Without your support, The Country Market wouldn’t be what it is today,” Ryan says. “We appreciate every single customer who walks through our doors.” And to the advertisers who sponsor Lapeer Living, “THANK YOU for supporting a magazine that highlights some great local businesses and people throughout our community.”
As a family that embodies resilience, kindness, and generosity, the Wilsons inspire those around them to value the importance of family, hard work, and giving back. Their story serves as a reminder that strong communities are built on the shared efforts of individuals like the Wilsons.