Gil was born in Westlake, OH on June 26, 1926, the son of William Frederich Guelker and Flora (Ohlrich) Guelker. He grew up on a farm in Westlake, OH. His father passed away when Gil was four years old. The family later moved to Cleveland, OH, where he graduated from West Tech High in 1944, showing an aptitude for mechanics.
In August 1944, Gil volunteered for the U.S. Army where he honorably served our country for 31 years. He began his career in the South Pacific during WWII, followed by other tours of duty in Germany, Japan, Korea, and throughout the U.S.A., where he commanded tank battalions in the armored division and led efforts in Counter Intelligence. During this time he earned a degree in Military Science from the University of Maryland. Among numerous awards, he was decorated with a Bronze Star and an Army Commendation Medal. He competed on the U.S. Rifle and Pistol Team where he won national recognition. He retired as a Colonel from Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX in 1975.
After moving to Austin, TX, Gil was a faithful member of Hyde Park Baptist Church for 42 years. He worked at Metropolitan Life for 10 years. He enjoyed reading historical literature, researching family genealogy, and bowling in various leagues. He loved God and drew on the strength and peace his faith gave him.
He married Alice Gayle Donnell in September 1955. Together, they raised three children and were happily married until she passed away in 2007. Our favorite accomplishment was the way he loved us, with every decision benefitting his family. By financially supporting his mother as a young man, he learned his strong work ethic, which he used to provide a better future for his children. He was committed to raising his family in a stable home. He spent many years caring for his wife Alice through her battle with Alzheimer’s. He was devoted to his grandchildren. After Alice passed away, he was happy to find a loving companion and travel partner in his wife Patricia.
Gil was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, four sisters, and his wife Alice of 51 years. He was survived by his wife Patricia of six years; son Mark and wife Nancy; daughter Ellen Scott and husband Glenn; daughter Elizabeth Caffey and husband Jeff; grandchildren Jasmine and Olivia Matthews; Rachel, Russell, and Amy Scott; Caroline, Ethan Luke, and Emily Caffey; and brother Walter Guelker; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, January 16 and his funeral service at 3 pm on Thursday, January 17, both at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX. A burial service with full military honors will be held 10:30 am Friday, January 18 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX.
Memorial donations can be made in his name to Blue Mountain College, Blue Mountain, Mississippi; Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch; and Samaritan’s Purse.
Thank you for your watchcare and protection of your family and country.
