Gerald J. Bilda Obituary

Gerald "Jerry" Joseph Bilda

Jerry Bilda, age 82, died on 09/16/2007, at Luther Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born Dec. 1, 1924, in Milwaukee to Joseph Bilda and Lucille Bilda Wright.

After a whirlwind 2 week romance, Jerry married Phyllis Terborg on June 14, 1947. They had 51 years together, the last 20 of which were spent selling at Flea Markets all across America. Oh, the fun they had together. Phyllis preceded him in death November 30, 1998.

Jerry joined the US Army at age 18 and fought valiantly in World war II. He joined the US Army National Guard in 1948 and retired in 1964. He was proud to be a 21 year veteran of the Armed Forces and was a true patriot.

At the time of his death he was a citizen of Apache Junction, Arizona, where he did volunteer work, shared many hours of fun with his friends, played shuffleboard three times a week, and went to the V. F. W. often to see his buddies.

Jerry was loved by all who were blessed to know him. His wonderful sense of humor, the stories he told of all the things he had done throughout his life, and his positive attitude made him special to all of us. The king of the "one-liners and zingers" will be forever missed.

Jerry is survived by 3 Daughters: Sandi (James) Jones, Beth (Rick) Matti, Penni Smith (Scott Brown), Niece Barb (Dale) Hart, 5 Grandchildren: Jennifer (Sean) Huff, Nicholas Jones, Stacy (James) Otto, Cody Walker, Eric Lepley (Fiancé Katie Arnold), 8 Great Grandchildren: Kaylee Keys, Kyle Keys, Laura Huff, Mariah Huff, Alexa Huff, Cameron Otto, Emily Otto, Otto Lepley, Sister -in-law Lori (Ralph) Ringlien, Brother-in-law Tom Terborg, Brother Richard Wright, Aunts Mildred Just and Ruth Bresler, Uncle Al Greasby,

A memorial service for Jerry will be held on October 5, 2007, at 6 PM at Abundant Life Church in Oconomowoc, WI. Burial will be at a later date in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI Condolences may be sent to the family at N657 Westview Drive, Oconomowoc, WI 53066. Friends may offer condolences online at www.fullerspeckien.com. Fuller-Speckien-Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI (715) 832-5002 is assisting the family with the arrangements.