William M. Gilliland

William M. Gilliland, 95, of Olean passed away Saturday, July 12, 2008 at the Ripley Crossing in Milan. He was born near Cross Plains on November 20, 1912, the son of Rolla and Emma Kroeger Gilliland. He was married to Esther Linkmeyer Schwake on October 26, 1968 and she survives. Other survivors include one step-daughter Sharon Spencer of Madison; grandchildren Debbie (Robert) Hudson of Columbus, Teresa (Shad) Gerth and Marsha (John) Uhl both of Madison; six great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Dorothy Gilliland of Milan and Eleanor Gilliland of Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Edna Tinker and Opal Stahl, and his brothers Howard and Russell Gilliland. Mr. Gilliland was a 1930 graduate of Cross Plains High School and had been employed with Capital Coil in Cincinnati. He served in the Army during WWII from 1942 to 1945 as a cook with the 157 Infantry. Mr. Gilliland received the EAME Theatre Ribbon with five bronze stars, the American Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He served in campaigns in Sicily, Naples, Rome, Southern France, and the Rhineland. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Olean, the Brown Township American Legion, the Versailles Masonic Lodge, and Eastern Star. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 15 at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Dennis Zimmerman officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery in Olean with military graveside rites by the Brown Township American Legion. Visitation will be Monday from 5pm to 8pm with Masonic services at 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Versailles Masonic Lodge, St. Peter's Cemetery, or the Friendship Fire Department.