William (Bill) L Gilman

William (Bill) L Gilman, 85, of Savanna, was called home to the Lord in Phoenix, AZ on Tuesday, December 20, 2011. Bill was born on October 22, 1926 in Savanna, son of Robert and Leona (Helbling) Gilman. Bill attended and graduated Savanna Schools. He enlisted in the US NAVY serving in World War II. He married Rita Nowak on September 6, 1952 in Savanna, IL.
Bill worked and retired from the Milwaukee/Soo Line Railroad after 41 years of service. After retirement Bill and Rita spent the winters in AZ to escape the cold Midwest weathers. They spent their time square dancing, painting and woodworking.
Bill wore many hats; from a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a farmer, an auctioneer, an antique dealer, refinisher of furniture, caning chairs and a bowler. He was excellent in gardening and farming. He enjoyed his family and always kept his wife Rita his first priority. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and St John the Baptist Catholic Church.
He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Rita, of Savanna, 1 son William L ( Cathy) Gilman, Jr of Lanark, IL and 3 daughters: Judith Crist of Dubuque, IA; Janet (David) Bodell of Tucson, AZ and Linda (Steve) Schneider of Mt Carroll, IL; a son-in-law Richard Miller of Savanna. 17 grandchildren: Melissa (Brad) Stein; Brent (Kim) Schneider; Brian (Pixie) Schneider; Joshua Schneider; Daniel, Jonathon, Jessica and Benjamin Bodell; Brooke, Courtney, Jacob and Colin Gilman; Cassandra and Jennesa Miller; Taylar, Kylee and Traer Crist. 7 great-grandchildren: Brody and Teagan Stein; Macy, Micah and Audrey Schneider; Kolby and Karson Gilman; and many nieces and nephews. Bill was united in death with his parents; a daughter, Carol; 2 brothers: Robert, Jr, and Ralph; 3 sisters: Kathryn, Eleanor, and Gayle.
Cremation rites were accorded.. A celebration of Bill’s life will be January 21, 2012 at 10:30am at St. Johns Catholic Church in Savanna.