Obit: Lee, Gilbert J. (1918 – 2010)

Contact: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Lee, Gullickson, Ritchart, Lindner, Olson, Hansen, Erickson

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) January 13, 2010

Lee, Gilbert J. (2 July 1918 – 7 January 2010) With Flag

Gilbert J. Lee, 91, of Merrillan, formerly of Elroy, passed away Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, at the Black River Memorial Hospital in Black River Falls – parting life peacefully with dignity, he will be dearly missed.

He was born July 2, 1918, to Martin and Tena (Gullickson) Lee in the Town of Plymouth near Elroy.  He lived in the Elroy area until 1936, when the family moved to New Lisbon, where he graduated from the New Lisbon High School in 1937.  He later graduated from Juneau County Normal in 1940 and taught at the Perry School between New Lisbon and Elroy the following year.

Gilbert was united in marriage May 27, 1941, to Evelyne Ritchart of New Lisbon. They left immediately following for San Francisco, where Gilbert worked in the carpenter trade for 2 ½ years prior to his enlistment in the U. S. Army Air Corps.  He went through the numerous phases of training at many bases on the West Coast and graduated as a pilot at Pecos, TX, in April 1945.  He was then sent back to Lincoln, NE, awaiting assignment. With the ending of World War II in August, he was discharged in September 1945.

The couple made their home in Elroy since that time.  They were long-time owners of Elroy Hardware and Lee Gas Company.  In 1966, they ventured into the natural gas business with the start of Elroy Gas, which was sold to Madison Gas and Electric in 1993.

He was a member of the Elroy United Methodist Church, a director and vice president of Royal Bank in Elroy, a Rotary Club member since 1947, and American Legion member for over 50 years and a 32nd degree Mason.

In later years they resided at Merrillan.

Survivors include his three daughters, Marcia (Kenneth) Lindner of Merrillan, Kathy (Wayne) Olson of Onalaska and Rebecca Lee of Merrillan; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a sister-n-law, Marion (Clayton) Hansen of Clifton; and a brother-in-law, Donald (Lucille) Ritchart of Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyne, Oct. 11, 2009; three brothers, Leonard, Robert and Hulder; and four sisters: Alice, Helen, Ethel and an infant, Helen

Memorial funeral services for both Gilbert and Evelyne were held Monday, January 11, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Elroy with Rev. Meg Erickson officiating. Interment will be at a later date at the new Lisbon City Cemetery.

The Picha Funeral Home in Elroy assisted the family.  For more information, go online to:www.pichafuneralhome.com.