Michael Harris Gilland age 81 of Redwood Falls passed away surrounded by his loving family Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Wood Dale Nursing Home in Redwood Falls. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 6 at First Presbyterian Church in Redwood Falls. Visitation is 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Redwood Valley Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Burial will be at a later date. Memorials are preferred to First Presbyterian Church or the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.
Michael Harrris Gilland was born Sunday, April 21, 1935 (Easter) at the hospital in Jackson, Minnesota to parents Merrell and Goldie (Harris) Gilland. He was baptized at the First Presbyterian Church in Vesta on March 28, 1937 and confirmed at First Presbyterian Church in Redwood Falls March 21, 1948. Growing up, Michael’s family lived in Jackson before moving to a farm in Brookville Township near Morgan in 1945 where he attended school in District 34. His family moved to Redwood Falls in 1946 when Michael was in 5th grade. He graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1953. He attended the University of MN School of Agriculture in the Twin Cities in 1953. He also farmed with his father after high school and enlisted in the National Guard at age 18. He served in Minnesota and at Fort Knox, Kentucky until 1960, when he was discharged as a Sergeant First Class. Michael married Charlene Joy Krinke on July 17, 1960 at the First Presbyterian Church in Redwood Falls. They farmed in Paxton Township near Redwood Falls and moved to a farm in 1963 that they later purchased and where they raised their family. Mike retired from farming in 2007, and in 2011, they moved into Redwood Falls. Michael served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Redwood Falls. He was a member of the Elevator Board in Redwood Falls. He was a member of the National Guard for 8 years.
Michael is survived by wife, Charlene; brother Dean (Nancy) Gilland of Arlington Heights, IL; sister Sharon (Dick) Swanlund of Bothell, Washington; daughter Holly (Curt) Meyer of Clara City, MN; son Mark (Whitney) Gilland of East Jordan, MI; daughter Wendy Vedeen of Eden Prairie; daughter-in-law Denise (Todd) Bradley of Cottage Grove, WI; grandchildren: Allie (Brandon) Hornseth of Fargo, ND, Kelsey (Nathan) Jones of Willmar, Travis Gilland of Milwaukee, WI, Kyle Gilland of Windsor, WI, Blake Bradley of Madison, WI, Seth (Kim) Bradley of Cross Plains, WI, Ashely Gilland of East Jordan, MI, Darren Gilland of Boyne City, MI, Kayla Gilland of East Jordan, MI, and Lauren Vedeen of Eden Prairie; great-grandchildren: Ava Double of Willmar, Kalylah Gilland of Windsor, WI, and Jackson Maly of Wanakee, WI; many nieces and nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his son Todd Michael and daughter Wanda Lynn.
We are so sorry. You have our heartfelt sympathy in Mike’s death.. Prayers are with you at this difficult time..
Char and family–We are so sorry for your loss. Peace be with you.
Charlene and Family,
Our sympathies at this difficult time.
Hi Charlene, So sorry to hear about Mike. We were in your area last August. Got tied up visiting with others and our time got away. Now when we hear about things like this, we regret not making time to stop. We will be at Jackpot for a class reunion the first week of Sept. Will do our best to call. So sorry for your loss, but I am sure the past few years have been difficult for you. We hope you can keep it all together and go on with your life. Life is for the living. Our prayers are with you and your family. We would love to come but 1500 miles round trip makes it difficult. Best wishes, Jack and Janetta Robinson
Thank you so much. He is no longer confused. But he always knew everyone who came to visit right up to the end.
Sorry to hear of his passing. I am the son of Mildred Gilland who grew up in Morgan and lived in Walnut Grove many years. Our part of the family basically lives in Missouri. We give our best to the family at this time and trust your faith and hope will see you through.
Jim and Sandi Robinson, Lebanon, MO.
Betty and I wish to say that will be praying for the family and and friends. It is always difficult to express feelings in times as this. We were glad to know that Mickey was involved in church work and helping others through their lives. What a blessing that is. We have lived in Lebanon, Mo since 1969 and Jim and Sandi moved here 2+ years ago and we talk about Minnesota and relatives and Walnut Grove memories. May God be watching over everyone this week.
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family, Char. We enjoyed visiting with both you and Mike at Wood Dale Home over the past years. May you and your family find peace in knowiing that Mike is with his Lord and you too will join him one day.
Wendy – Sorry for you loss. You and your family have my condolences. Hang in there.
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed visiting with Mike when I was visiting my mom at Wood Dale. I was a good friend of Sharon’s during our school years and got to know Mike at that time. You and your family have my deepest sympathy.
Charlene and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing as I was scanning the obituaries of the Redwood Gazette. You have my deepest sympathy, Char. I am so grateful for all the good times we had together in the past. We were close neighbors when we all were growing up on the farm. Sharon and I were friends in school and graduated together.. I wasn’t aware that Mike was ill. I am sure you had good years at Homestead with him.
I live at Willmar now and miss Redwood Falls immensely. I moved to be close to my son, Todd and wife plus my four grandchildren. They keep me busy with their sports and activities.
My deepest sympathy and God’s Blessings to all of you!