Obit: Gile, William "Bill" A. (1918 - 2006)

Contact:  Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

Surnames: Gile, Dawson, Erickson, Gurtler, Henning, Schattie, Marzofka, Lee

----Sources: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, WI) July 19, 2006

Gile, William "Bill" A. (February 12, 1918 - July 16, 2006)

William A. "Bill" Gile, age 88, of Merrillan and formerly of Wisconsin Rapids died Sunday, July 16, 2006, at Black River Memorial Hospital, Black River Falls.

William was born February 12, 1918, in Merrillan to parents Ray and Bessie (Dawson) Gile. He graduated from high school in Merrillan. He married Vivian Erickson December 28, 1938, in Waukon, IA, and she preceded him in death in 1987.

During World War II, he served in the U. S. Army as a payroll clerk.

William was employed as an accountant by Consolidated Papers, Inc. in Wisconsin Rapids for 38 years, retiring in 1980. He had many friends and clients from the tax preparation business he operated from his home.

He lived in Wisconsin Rapids since 1942, but always maintained a home on Lower Lake in Merrillan, moving there permanently two years ago.

Bill enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening and for many years he cared for the flowers at Gile Park in Merrillan. At one time, his family owned a farm in Garden Valley, and he enjoyed visiting there with his dogs.

He served as a board member of the Biron Credit Union for 25 years. He was a member of the Merrillan Lions Club and the Wisconsin Rapids Masonic Lodge.

William is survived by his son, Ray E. "Buzz" Gile of Babcock; his daughter-in-law, Susan (Gurtler) Gile of Wisconsin Rapids; one sister, Jean Henning of Altoona; his companion of many years, Irene Schattie of Merrillan; four grand-children, Renee (Terry Marzofka of Port Edwards, Mitch (Marcia) Gile of Nekoosa, Lanny Gile of Appleton and Todd (Sue) Gile of Marquette, MI; nine great-grandchildren; besides many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian; his son, Richard; his parents, Ray and Bessie; his brothers, Gibson and Rulef (Bob); and by his sister, Mary Lee.

Funeral services for William A. "Bill" Gile will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, 2006, at the United Methodist Church, Merrillan, with Reverend Kathleen Jury officiating. Burial will take place in Oakwood Cemetery, Merrillan, with Military Rites by the Alma Center VFW Post 8494. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the time of services.

Bill’s great-grandchildren will serve as casket bearers.

Arrangements are with the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, Hixton.