Gerald Eugene "The Colonel" Lillie, 71, of Almena, passed away, October 30, 2019, at his home with his family by his side. He was born June 13, 1948, in Cumberland, WI to John and Ethel (Bisher) Lillie. He lived in Cumberland until he moved to Rice Lake with his brother Fred and Helen Lillie. He graduated in May of 1968 from Rice Lake High School. The following year, Gerald enlisted in the United States Air Force, served in the Vietnam War, and retired after seven years in 1975.

During his time in the service, Gerald was stationed in Spokane, WA with his first wife and had his first son, Raymond. They divorced and, he moved back to Cumberland, where met his second wife, Rhonda. They has a daughter Jamie, and two sons, Joshua and Jordan. they divorced and he married Lori Strenke in 2003. Gerald lived in Almena until his passing.

After his military service he returned to Wisconsin, and worked for 3M until his retirement in 2008. He enjoyed deer hunting, truck and tractor pulls, camping, fishing, gardening, doing 4 H with his children, watching his Packers, and working on vehicles for family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Lori of Almena; children: Jamie Taylor of Spooner, Joshua Lillie of Almena, and Jordan Lillie of Almena; stepsons: Anthony Miller of Turtle Lake, and Tyler Miller of Almena; granddaughters: Morgan Taylor of Hudson, and Evelyn Miller of Almena; siblings: John (Anita) Lillie of Cumberland, Nancy (Dean) Haugen of Apple Valley, MN, Patricia (Russell) Workman of Barron, and twin sister, Carol (Patrick) Hause of Barron; step-brothers: Tommy (Char) Lillie of Cumberland, and Daniel (Jessica) Lillie of Cumberland; step-sisters: Marlene (Mike) Lampkins of Colorado Springs, and Sandy (Jeff) Miller of Nashua, MN; numerous nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends. Gerald was preceded in death by his son, Scott Lillie; his parents, John and Ethel Lillie; sisters: Betty (Norm) Ricci, and Louise Lillie; brothers: Fred (Helen) Lillie, and Richard Lillie; step-mother, Deloris Lillie; step-nephew, Justin Lillie; and grandparents.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Monday, November 4, 2019, at Skinner Funeral Home - Cumberland with Pastor Tim Schmidt officiating. Burial will be in Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in the spring. Military honors are accorded by Almena VFW Post #8512. Visitation will be one hour before the service.

Skinner Funeral Home of Cumberland/ Turtle Lake is serving the family.

Last Update: Nov 01, 2019 7:12 am CDT