Howard A. Gillson

Howard Adam Gillson, age 93, of North Mankato, died Friday, January 13, 2017, at Oaklawn Rehabilitation Center in Mankato.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at Grace Lutheran Church in Mankato.  Interment will be in Woodland Hills Memorial Park.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.  Memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran Church.  Northview – North Mankato Mortuary handled the arrangements.

Howard was born November 22, 1923, in Rapidan Township to Albert and Edith (Krusp) Gillson.  He attended school in Rapidan.  Howard was proud to have served in the U.S. Army Rangers 5th Battalion from 1943 until 1945 in the European Theater and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.  He was united in marriage to Arline Peterson on May 24, 1947, in Mankato.  Howard was a Master Plumber and co-owned Herrley & Gillson Plumbing and Heating for over 50 years.  He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, the North Mankato Special Police, and was a charter member and past Commander of the North Mankato American Legion Post 518.  Howard enjoyed bowling, watching MN Twins baseball, and especially attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Howard is survived by his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Arline Gillson of North Mankato; two daughters, Linda (Ron) Swanson of Mankato and Laurie (Skip) Wilhelm of North Mankato; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Norrie Thomas-Gillson of Wayzata; brother-in-law, Quentin Peterson of North Mankato; and also several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Forrest Gillson; grandson, Scott Wilhelm; two brothers, Clarence and Bud Gillson; and three sisters, Audrey Baker, Marcella Swartout, and Tudie Brandt.