Meyrle Gilman

Meyrle I. Gilman, age 91, of Willmar, died Monday morning, April 2, at Bethesda Heritage Center in Willmar.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 5, at the First Presbyterian Church in Willmar with Rev. Richard Underdahl-Pierce officiating. A private interment will be held at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 P.M. on Wednesday, April 4, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.
Meyrle Irene (Simon) Gilman was born on August 29, 1915, in Merced, California, the daughter of John and Nellie (Harnden) Simon. She grew up in the St. Cloud area, was baptized and confirmed at the First Presbyterian Church in St. Cloud and graduated from St. Cloud Tech High School in 1933. She attended the University of Minnesota and graduated from the nursing program as a Registered Nurse. Meyrle was employed as a R.N. at the General Hospital in St. Paul. On May 13, 1939, in St. Cloud, she was married to Dr. Lloyd C. Gilman. They lived briefly in Osceola, Wisconsin and then moved to Atwater. In 1944, following W.W. II, they moved to Willmar where Dr. Gilman, with Meyrle's support, was one of a group of physicians that founded the Lakeland Medical Center, now known as ACMC. She returned to nursing in 1969-1970 to support Lloyd in completing his residency in Urology in St. Paul. Meyrle was an active member of her church, serving as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday School teacher and active in various women's groups. She was also a member of the Athenian Club and P.E.O. Meyrle again returned to nursing, serving in the newborn infant ward at McCormick Hospital in Chaing Mai, Thailand, from September 1981 to January 1982, while Dr. Gilman taught urology at McCormick Hospital. Meyrle was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, Rice Hospital Auxiliary, Rice Hospice and Meals on Wheels. She also served on a citizens committee for various school bond issues. Meyrle enjoyed knitting, reading and entertaining her family and friends.
She is survived by her three children, Wendy (and Steven) Shaler of St. Cloud, Byron Gilman of Edina and Jan (and Craig) Bakken of Golden, CO.; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Also surviving is one brother, Robert (and Joanne) Robertson of Circle Pines, special friends, Vaughn and Doris Rodelius, Richard and Delores Olson and Terrie Montgomery, besides other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather; husband, Dr. Lloyd Gilman in 1987; one brother, Jack Simon and two sister-in-laws, Ruth Simon and Jeanne Robertson.