Rosa J. Gillilan

Rosa J. Gillilan, age 86, of Lancaster, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2014, at Grant Regional Health Center surrounded by her family. She was born on November 9, 1927, in Little Grant Township, the daughter of Wesley and Marie (Wilkinson) Welsh. Rosa attended Milner Country Grade School and graduated in 1945 from Lancaster High School. She married John Drew in 1946 and together they had two children, Jackie and John. He preceded her in death in 1950. Rosa later married Everett “Tod” Gillilan on October 9, 1954. She was employed at Production Credit Association and later with the State of Wisconsin Unemployment Office, retiring in 1980 after twenty-seven years of service. Rosa was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a devoted member of the Lancaster United Methodist Church, where she served on several committees, including the Laurinda Circle and Wednesday Morning Prayer Group. Rosa was an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packer fan. She especially enjoyed socializing with her friends, whether it be playing Bridge, a good game of Euchre, or having a martini with a twist. Tod and Rosa enjoyed many trips over the years and spending their winters in the warmth of Florida. She loved following her grandchildren’s activities and spending time with her family.

Surviving is her loving husband of almost sixty years, Tod; their children: Jackie (Gene) McLinn; John (Diane) Drew; grandchildren: Lisa (Earl) Tranel; Lori (Bob) Smits; Chris Drew; Carrie (Robert) Davies; great-grandchildren: Stephanie and Nathan Tranel, Ben, Jack, and Kate Smits, Bo, Dreona, and Miah Drew, Ethan and Joshua Davies; other relatives and many friends.

Rosa was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband, John.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lancaster United Methodist Church in Lancaster with Reverend Barbara Cook officiating. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Monday, May 26, 2014, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Lancaster United Methodist Church and on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Rosa J. Gillilan Memorial Fund has been established. Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster is assisting the family.