Gil was born on January 23, 1932 and was raised in Belleville, Illinois; although, through his employment associated with NASA in the 1960’s, Gil quickly took to being a Floridian.
He was an avid softball player and bowler until the last few years of his life. He was rich with stories and jokes, and placed a priority on family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Verna Wilke. In addition, he is survived by his three loving children, Debbie Lamm (Jerry Lamm), Lori Wallace (Jerry Wallace), and David Wilke (Elizabeth Wilke); as well as 5 grandchildren, Kyle Lamm (Megan Lamm), Ashley Wallace, Nicole Wilke (Jaymes Gardzinski), Sydney Wilke, and Carolyn Wilke; and 2 great grandchildren, Derek and Charlotte Lamm.
In keeping with Gil’s final wishes he has elected not to have a formal ceremony paying tribute to him. Instead, he hopes we will all remember the decency with which he lived and each of us dedicate an act of kindness to another person or animal in his spirit.
His final resting place will be at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Gotha, Florida.
