Gillis W. Gerleman, 91, passed away at St. Ann's Salvatorium in Milwaukee on Monday, March 31, 2014. Gillis was born in Ossian, IA on December 13, 1922 to Max and Rose (nee Beckmann) Gerleman. He married the former Sharon I. Key. She preceded him in death on October 31, 2009.

Gillis served in the U.S. Army during WWII and remained in Austria following the war with the Army of occupation. He retired from the Milwaukee Public School System. He had earned his Master's Degrees in Education, History and Geography.

Following his retirement, Gillis worked as a Guardian, Personal Representative and Investment Advisor with Methodist Manor. Survivors include his children, Thomas Gerleman and Mary Catherine Gerleman-Fahey. He is also survived by other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Norbert Fahey and ten sisters and brothers including his twin brother, Gerald.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Gillis will be held at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 524 W. Mitchell Street, on Monday, April 7, 2014, at 6 PM. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery. Purath-Strand Funeral Home & Crematory 3915 Douglas Avenue Racine, WI 53402 (262)639-8000 www.purath-strand.com