Gerald W. 'Gerry' Winland

Gerald W. Gerry Winland, 86, of Ridge Farm, passed away at 8:56am, Wednesday, August 18, 2010, at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village, Chrisman. He was born on September 28, 1923, in Ridge Farm, IL, the son of Herschel C. and Villa E. (Baker) Winland, both deceased. He was united in marriage to Lois Cline on July 11, 1948, in West Union, IL. She will miss him dearly. Others who will miss him include: his sons, Gregory (Theresa) Winland & Jeffrey (Jennifer) Winland, both of Clinton, IN; his daughter, Jennifer (Steve Estes) Winland of Tilton, IL; his grandchildren, Troy (Amanda) Winland, Kyle (Jennifer) Winland, Heather (Darrin) Johnson, Craig (Jamie) Hawkins, Ashley (Brad Stiff) Winland, Michael Winland, Matthew Winland, & Masen Winland; his seven great grandchildren; and eight step-great-grandchildren. Gerry was a graduate of Ridge Farm High School. He served in the US Army during WWII and had a WWII Victory Medal. He was a bodyguard for General Omar Bradley and Charles Lindburgh. He received the Bronze Battle Star, as well as, the Good Conduct Medal. He also served during the European "African- Middle Eastern Campaign & American Campaign, receiving a medal for both. Gerry worked as a terminal manger for Transcon Lines in Danville for twenty five years. He also served at home as a trustee on the Ridge Farm Village Board for two terms. He also held positions as board members for the Elwood Township Board and the Ridge Farm Grade School Board. In his spare time, he enjoyed going fishing & playing Euchre. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A Memorial Celebration of Gerrys life will be held at 2:00pm, Saturday, August 21, 2010, at Sunsets Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, a Life Celebration Home , Georgetown, with memorial visitation being held 1 hour prior to the service. Pastor Matt Filicsky will officiate. As per his wishes, he bequeathed his body to science. Memorial donations may be given in Gerrys name to the Ridge Farm Fire Department.