Gilbert Herman Wille

Gilbert Herman Wille, 103, of Wamego, Kansas passed away Thursday, May 2, 2013 at his residence in Wamego. Gilbert was born October 8, 1909 on the family farm three miles south of Wamego, the son of August and Martha (Breymeyer) Wille. He attended school through the 8th grade at Wabaunsee Rural School District #2, before going to work on the family farm and other area farms. Gilbert worked as a farmer for his entire life. On March 4, 1934 in Alma, Kansas, Gilbert married Gladys Freeman. She survives. In 1935, Gilbert and Gladys moved to the Mitchell farm, south of Wamego where they resided for 37 years, before purchasing a home with small acreage south of Wamego in 1971. Gilbert was a strong believer in saving the soil, building terraces and waterways. He served on the Wabaunsee County Soil Conservation Board for 20 years and was a member and past board member for the Wabaunsee County Farm Bureau. Gilbert was a faithful member of the Immanuel Faith Community Church-Wells Creek and served on the church council. In Gilbert’s later years he enjoyed having a small repair shop, gardening and doing volunteer work. He was a volunteer at the Wamego Senior Center helping with maintenance and repairs and drove the train in the city park for all the children, which always brought him great joy. Gilbert is also survived by his one daughter: Karen Sue Cox and husband Jack of Leawood, KS; one daughter in-law: Sarah Wille, of Overland Park, KS; one brother: Arthur Wille of Wamego, KS; four grandchildren: Mark Pottinger, Jon Showalter, Lisa Wille Pulliam and David Wille and seven great-grandchildren: Sam and Katherine Pottinger, Harrison and James Showalter, Conner and Caleb Pulliam and Mitchel Wille. He was preceded in death by his son: Jerald Wille, three brothers: Elmer, Raymond and Harold and two sisters: Esther and Mabel. Gilbert was cremated. A celebration of life for Mr. Wille will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 25, 2013 at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego. A visitation will begin prior to his service beginning at 10:00 a.m. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Wamego Community Foundation – Train Fund or the Immanuel Faith Community Church of Wells Creek, and may be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home, PO Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.