George W. Wieland

He was born January 26, 1925 in Peoria to George W. and Josephine P. (Seidell) Wieland. He married Virginia Delicath on April 22, 1945 in Peoria. She passed away on August 29, 1994 in Peoria. On April 26, 1997 in Peoria, he married Barbara O’Dell. She survives.

Also surviving are his children William (Joyce) Wieland of Lutz, Fl, Randy (Karen) Wieland of Catlin, IL, Kathi Gaines of Cary, NC, Pamela (Kevin) Sommer of Rockford, IL; two step-children Deborah (Russell) Rhodes of East Peoria, Suzanne (Mark) Johnstone of Peoria; a special sister-in law and brother in-law Sally and David Watkins of Indianapolis, IN; a foreign exchange student Maria Lea “Malie” Javier (Steve) Tanton of Cazenovia, IL; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his step-son Timothy O’Dell.

He was a WW II Navy veteran serving in the South Pacific on the U.S.S. Saratoga CV-3 as Machinist Mate 2nd Class. He saw combat action in Iwo Jima and Chichi Jima.

Bill worked for Caterpillar from October of 1942 to March of 1987 when he retired as manager in Indirect Materials of the Purchasing Dept. He was a member of Cat retirees club and he helped form the student chapter of A.S.T.M.E. now called S.M.E. Bill also bowled in the Caterpillar Foreman and Superintendant League until the age of 82.

He was a lifelong member, former Treasurer, and served in many other capacities at Christ Lutheran Church. He was the president of Christ Lutheran Church Sr. Club.

Bill and his family are thankful for all the blessings the Lord has provided and he was a great witness to the Lord. As Bill was often heard saying, “Stay out of trouble, but have fun”.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 23, 2011 at Christ Lutheran Church. Pastor Karl F. Eckhoff will officiate. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m., at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church.

Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.davison-fulton.com.