Gilbert W. "Gil" Beilke, age 71, of West Bend, found eternal rest and peace with the Lord on Friday, February 7, 2014 at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa.
Gil was born on October 13, 1942 in Hartford to the late Gerhardt and Leona (nee Hoepner) Beilke. He had a passion for dairy that started at a young age working with his father at various cheese factories in the area. Gil enjoyed a 34 year career driving truck for Level Valley Dairy and in his retirement enjoyed collecting antiques associated with the dairy industry. He also loved collecting Zippo lighters, traveling, and berry picking. Gil had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest. He loved spending time with his fiancAC., children, and grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew him and will be remembered as a caring man who enjoyed the little things in life.
Gil is survived by his forever loving fiancAC., Kim Bolander; three children, Barbbra (Lisa) Beilke, Terry (Wendy) Beilke, and Heather Beilke; two "step" children, Mark (Amy) Wald and Brian Wald; two grandchildren, Brittany and Calvin Beilke; two "step" grandchildren, Casey and Carter Wald; a sister, Carol (Charles) Schalinske; and many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Gil was preceded in death by his parents, Gerhardt and Leona; his wife, Sandra; his daughter, Debbra Beilke; his sister, Joan Landrath; and his brother, Gary Beilke.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 14, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home (1315 W. Washington St. West Bend). Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 pm until the time of service at 7:00 pm. Burial will be held at a later date.
Gil was a giving person who believed in paying it forward so in honor of that spirit, memorials in his name to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.
The family would like to thank the paramedics of the West Bend Fire Dept. as well as the doctors and staff of St. Joseph's Hospital in West Bend and Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa for their compassion and care.