Bernard Gilding, 95, of Burlington, passed away Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021 at Kindred Hearts in Elkhorn.
Bernie was born in Sauk City, on June 14, 1926, to Clarence and Louise (Kelter) Gilding. He graduated from Black Earth High School in 1944. He served in World War II in the US Army Air Corp. in the Pacific Theater in Leyte, Philippines. Since he was the only one that knew how to type, he was assigned to the Colonel as his clerk. He also transported Japanese prisoners.
Bernie worked as a pilot for Quality Carriers and FedEx. He was the owner of Burlington Airways. He was a member of AOPA, Confederate Airforce, EAA, Quiet Birdmen and VFW. He also managed Burlington Airport and taught many people to fly. During his flying days he transported Green Bay Packers Quarterback, Bart Starr, and the Virginian television star, James Drury. He also flew Milwaukee home run slugger, Eddie Matthews.
Bernie is survived by his children, Ardyth (Alf) Wyller, James (Eileen) Gilding, Thomas (Mary) Gilding, and Nadine (Jay) Teisberg; stepchildren Jeff (Maureen) Radtke, and Robyn (Edwin) Scherzer; step daughter-in-law Bente Randmel; grandchildren Ed Wyller, Wendy (Michael) Mudd, Nichol (Seth) Novoselsky, Lindsey (Bryan) Campion, Jenelle (Justin) Jenniges, Heather Gilding, Todd (Elizabeth) Gilding, Justin (Kerri) Teisberg and Chelsea Teisberg; step grandchildren Heather, Sarah (Jinx), Zach (Alicia), Sam, Piper (Ricky) and Sage; seventeen great grandchildren; sister-in-law Marilyn Gilding, Dorothy Linquist and Bob Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Darlene (Baker Radtke) Gilding, first wife Lucile (Fritz) Trittin, stepson Bruce Radtke, and siblings Virginia (Bud) Meyers, Clarence (Ramona) Gilding, and Linus Gilding.
The family would like to thank the staff of Kindred Hearts for their care and compassion during this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a Veteran’s Organization of your choice.
Service for Bernie will be held at Lyon’s Quaker Cemetery, Lyons, on Aug. 20, 2021 at 11 a.m.
Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home is serving the family. Well-wishers may visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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