Samuel A. Gill

Racine – Samuel A. Gill, 90, passed away at Ridgewood Care center on Wednesday, November 23, 2011. He was born in Almena, Wisconsin on March 28, 1921, the youngest son of the late, Julius and Augusta (nee: Fritz) Gill. He was a Racine resident for most of his life.  On July 28, 1951 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Iola Appel.  Sam and Iola enjoyed 56 years of marriage together.  Sam Gill served in the Army Air Corps during WWII with the 1^st Emergency Rescue Squadron and won the Soldier’s Medal for heroism when he recovered a downed pilot from the Mediterranean Sea, in the face of great hazard.

Sam Gill was a talented Journeyman tool & die maker at Sharpe Tool & Die, and would use his expertise to fix or make most anything. He enjoyed spending his free time hunting, fishing and camping in his cherished Wisconsin outdoors.   He was blessed with many nieces and nephews and would take them on these outdoor adventures, mentoring them in the ways of nature and of life.  Uncle Sam was also an avid bowler, bowling for many years in a Racine Senior League.

Uncle Sam was adored by, and is survived by numerous nieces and nephews who provided him care and love to his final hour.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Juanita Gill; and brother-in-law, Thomas Clausen, both of Racine and other friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Iola in 2007, and also by his sisters and brothers, Helen Koontz, Emma Morkel, Robert Gill, Bernard Gill, Oscar Gill, and William Gill.

Funeral services will be held at Draeger Langendorf funeral home at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 with Rev. John D. Roekle officiating.  Interment and military honors will follow. Visitation will begin in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Memorials to the Salvation Army, or Hospice Alliance, Inc. have been suggested.