R.C.M. Gardner

R.C.M. (Richard Castle Madden) GARDNER ( Clarence H. Gardner) was born 3 Jul 1866 in Lansing, Ingham Co., Michigan. He died 14 May 1946 in Whitewater Twp., Grand Traverse Co., Michigan and was buried 17 May 1946 in Circle Hill Cemetery, Whitewater Twp., Grand Traverse Co., Michigan.

R.C.M. Gardner, undated

BIRTH of R.C.M.:

Michigan, Ingham Co., Record of marriages, 1867-1887:

Helmer Gardiner marries Marie Madden on 15 Nov 1869. In the 1870 census is listed RCM, son, 4 years old. RCM may be an adopted son of Clarence.

CENSUS:

1900 U.S. Census, Garfield Twp., Grand Traverse Co., Michigan:

R.(?) Gardner, 33, b. July 1866, married 13 years, b. Michigan, both parents b. Michigan, well driver

Millie, 30, wife, b. Sept. 1869, married 13 years, has had 6 children with 5 surviving, b. Michigan, both parents b. New York

Verna, 11, daughter, b. Aug 1888 in Michigan, at school

Orbie, 10, son, b. April 1890 in Michigan, at school

Leslie, 8, son, b. Mar. 1892 in Michigan, at school

Bessie, 6, daughter, b. Feb. 1894 in Michigan

Mildred, 4, daughter, b. Mar. 1896 in Michigan

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1910 U.S. Census, Whitewater Twp., Grand Traverse Co., Michigan:

R.C. Gardner, 43, married once for 23 years, b. Michigan, both parents b. Michigan, well drilling, owns mortgaged farm

Millie M., 40, married once for 23 years, has had 7 children with 6 surviving, b. Michigan, both parents b. New York

Orbie R., 20, son, b. Michigan, farm laborer on home farm

Leslie E., 18, son, b. Michigan, farm laborer on home farm

Bessie I., 16, daughter, b. Michigan

Mildred L., 14, daughter, b. Michigan

Lila M., 1, daughter, b. Michigan

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1920 U.S. Census - have not been able to find the family in this census

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1930 U.S. Census, Whitewater Twp., Grand Traverse Co., Michigan:

R.C.M. Gardner, 63, owns home, $1800 value, no radio set, does not live on farm, 21 years old at first marriage, b. in Michigan, father b. Michigan, mother b. Michigan, plumber/pipe fitter, is not a veteran

Millie, 60, wife, married, 17 years old at first marriage, b. in Michigan, father b. Vermont, mother b. New York

MARRIAGE of R.C.M.:

R.C.M. married Millie M. LEWIS, daughter of Mace C. LEWIS and Marie BARNARD, on 28 Feb 1887 in St.Louis Twp., Gratiot Co., Michigan. Millie was born 12 Sep 1869 in St. Louis, Gratiot Co., Michigan. She died 13 Jan 1949 in Whitewater Twp., Grand Traverse Co., Michigan and was buried 15 Jan 1949 in Circle Hill Cemetery, Whitewater Twp., Grand Traverse Co., Michigan.

R.C.M. and Millie Gardner, undated

DEATH of R.C.M.:

"Traverse City Record Eagle" Traverse City, Michigan, Wednesday, May 15, 1946:

Death Removes R.C.M. Gardner

R.C.M. Gardner died Tuesday evening at his home in Williamsburg. He was 80 years old. Mr. Gardner was born in Lansing July 3rd, 1886 and was married to Millie Lewis at St. Louis, Michigan, February 28th, 1887. Seven children were born to this union, five of whom survive.

Left to mourn their loss besides his widow and son, Leslie, of Kenosha, Wis., are four daughters. Mrs. J.J. Herman and Mrs. A.P. Jacobson of Kenosha, Mrs. H.M. Good of Grand Prairie, Texas, Mrs. W.L. Wilkinson of Williamsburg, 10 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Guy Clayton of Saginaw; Mrs. Frank Plemon of Charlotte; Mrs. Dell Wilson of Saginaw, a brother E.F. Gardner of Texas.

Mr. Gardner was a member of the Acme F.& A.M. lodge and a life member of the I.O.O.F. lodge of Elk Rapids. For the past 51 years Mr. Gardner resided in Williamsburg where he was engaged in well driving.

The body was taken to the Sampson Funeral home to remain until Thursday when it will be taken to the home at Williamsburg where private services will be conducted at three o'clock with the Rev. J.C. Mathews officiating. Burial will be made in Circle Hill Cemetery at Williamsburg.

When this well was drilled, it shot 45 ft. into the air and was very difficult to cap. The well is still flowing in Mable.

L. to r., Gilbert Pray, "Ham" Watson, Earl Button, R.C.M. Gardner, Effie Pray, Millie M Gardner

DEATH of MILLIE:

"Traverse City Record Eagle," Friday, January 14, 1949:

Williamsburg Woman Taken

Mrs. Millie M. Gardner, 79, a resident of this region for many years, died at her home in Williamsburg Thursday noon following a prolonged illness.

Millie Lewis was born on September 12, 1869, in St. Louis, Mich., and was united in marriage to R.C.M. Gardner on February 28, 1887. Mr. Gardner who preceded her in death on May 14, 1946, was engaged for a number of years in the well drilling business with the firm known as Gardner & Sons, having operated in southern Michigan prior to moving to this region to make the family home.

Surviving are five daughters, Mrs. Harry Good of Grand Prairie Texas, Mrs.(sic) Leslie Gardner of Kenosha, Wis., Mrs. J.J. Hermann of Kenosha, Mrs. A.P. Jacobson of Middleton, Wis., and Mrs. Wayne Wilkinson of Williamsburg; one sister, Mrs. Clarence Wheeler of Gladwin, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The body will lie in state at the Williamsburg home where friends may call. Private funeral services will be conducted at the home Saturday at 2:30 p.m. under the direction of the Leonard Funeral Home. Rev. Mathews will officiate and burial will be made in Circle Hill cemetery.

R.C.M. and Millie had the following CHILDREN:

1. Verna Belle GARDNER (R.C.M.) was born 15 Aug 1888 in St. Louis, Gratiot Co., Michigan. She died 10 July 1984 in Clermont Twp., Lake Co., Florida.

MARRIAGE:

Verna married (1) Willis H. RECTOR, son of Oscar RECTOR and Arline CRAUDALL, on 23 Jun 1906 in Traverse City, Grand Traverse Co., Michigan. Willis was born about 1885 in Lake County, Illinois.

CHILDREN of VERNA and WILLIS :

1. Velma RECTOR (Verna Gardner) was born 11 April 1907. She died 4 Aug 1912.

Verna married (2) Harry M. GOOD in 1937.

2. Orbie GARDNER (R.C.M.) was born 5 Apr 1890 in St. Louis, Gratiot Co., Michigan. He died 4 Sept 1915 in Coeur D' Alene, Idaho, and was buried in Circle Hill Cemetery, Whitewater Twp., Grand Traverse Co., Michigan.

Orbie Gardner, undated

3. Leslie Helmer GARDNER (R.C.M.) was born 18 Mar 1892 in St. Louis Twp., Gratiot Co., Michigan. He died 23 Feb 1968 in Kenosha Twp., Kenosha Co., Wisconsin.

Leslie H. Gardner, undated

MARRIAGE:

Leslie married Adelaide Marguerite LINK, daughter of Michael LINK, and Julia PISKEY, on 14 Apr 1917 in Kenosha Twp., Kenosha Co., Wisconsin. Adelaide was born 5 Sep 1895 in Kenosha Twp., Kenosha Co.,Wisconsin. She died 10 Jun 1966 in Kenosha Twp., Kenosha Co., Wisconsin.

DEATH of ADELAIDE:

"Kenosha News," Kenosha, Wisconsin, Saturday, June 11, 1966:

Mrs. Leslie H. Gardner, 70, died Friday morning at Kenosha Memorial Hospital following a long illness.

Born Adelaide M. Link in Kenosha Sept. 5, 1895, Mrs. Gardner was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Michael Link, and spent her lifetime here. On Apr. 14, 1917, she was married at St. George's Church. She was a member of E.M.B.A. Auxiliary.

DEATH of LESLIE H.:

"Kenosha News," Kenosha, Wisconsin, Friday, Feb. 23, 1968:

Leslie H. Gardner, 75, of Brookside, died early this morning at Brookside following a long illness.

Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Gardner, he was born on March 18, 1892, in St. Louis, Michigan.

He received his early education in St. Louis. He came to Kenosha in 1916 to make his home. Mr. Gardner married Adelaide M. Link on April 14, 1917 in St. George Church. She preceded him in death on June 10, 1966.

He was employed by the Wisconsin Gas and Electric Co. for 32 years, retiring in 1956.

Mr. Gardner was a honorary member of the Veterans Association of the E.M.B.A.

He is survived by...... Mr. Gardner is also survived by three sisters, Mrs. Harry Good, of Clermont, Florida; Mrs. Andrew Jacobsen, of Kenosha; and Mrs. Wayne Wilkenson, of Williamsberg, Mich.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Mrs. Jake Hermann, and by a brother.

Leslie H. and Adelaide had the following CHILDREN:

1. Merle Mae GARDNER (Leslie Helmer) was born 6 Sept 1918 in Kenosha, Kenosha Co., Wisconsin.

MARRIAGE of MERLE:

Merle married Floyd William PRESLAN, son of William PRESLAN and Violet EAGLE, on 16 Dec 1939. Floyd was born 10 Nov 1917 in Sault Sainte Marie, Chippewa County, Michigan. He died 14 Mar 1994 in Kenosha Twp., Kenosha Co., Wisconsin.

DEATH of FLOYD:

"Kenosha News," Kenosha, Wisconsin, Wednesday, March 16, 1994:

Floyd W. Preslan, 76, died Monday (March 14, 1994) at the Sheridan Nursing Home. He suffered from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

He was born Nov. 10, 1917, in Sault Sainte Marie, Mich., the son of William and Violet (Eagle) Preslan.

He came to Kenosha in 1924 and attended school here. After graduating from Kenosha High School, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

On Dec. 16, 1939, he married Merle M. Gardner at the First United Methodist Church.

Involved in Boy Scouts for more than 60 years, he was awarded the Silver Beaver for volunteer service in 1957. In 1987, he was awarded a lifetime membership in the Scouting Heritage Society.

An employee of Snap-on Tools Corp. for 41 years, he retired as director of facilities planning May 31, 1982.

He held memberships in the First United Methodist Church; the Kenosha and Racine Boy Scout Council executive board, on which he also served as a past president; the Boy Scouts of America certification team; Elks Lodge No. 750; the Early Risers' Breakfast Club; the Kenosha Historical Society; Friends of the Museum; Friends of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside library; Friends of Carthage College; the Kenosha Voluntary Action Committee; and the Kiwanis Golden K Club.

He served on the Southeast Wisconsin Boy Scout Council and as president from 1980-82.

He was a regular volunteer in the Shalom Center soup kitchen.

He is survived by.....

He was preceded in death by his father; a stepfather, Henry Holmes; and his sister, Virginia.

2. Doris Marguerite GARDNER (Leslie Helmer) was born 23 Mar 1920 in Wisconsin.

Doris married Texas Harold HOWARD on 19 Jul 1947. Texas was born 3 Mar 1921.

3. Elnora Katherine GARDNER (Leslie Helmer) was born 31 Mar 1923 in Kenosha, Kenosha County, Wisconsin. She died 17 Sep 1989 in Baraboo, Sauk County, Wisconsin.

MARRIAGE of ELNORA:

Elnora married Carl BIELSKI, son of Frank BIELSKI and Rose KLASEK, on 11 Jan 1947 in Kenosha Twp., Kenosha Co., Wisconsin. Carl was born 17 Oct 1921 in Kenosha Twp., Kenosha Co., Wisconsin. He died 29 Apr 1985 in Kenosha Twp., Kenosha Co., Wisconsin.

DEATH of CARL:

"Kenosha News," Kenosha, Wisconsin, Monday, April 29, 1985:

Carl Bielski, 63, died early this morning (April 29, 1985) at Shady Lawn-West Nursing Home.

The son of the late Frank and Rose (Klasek) Bielski, he was born Oct. 17, 1921 in Kenosha, where he attended school. He graduated from Kenosha High School.

On Jan. 11, 1947 at St. Mark Catholic Church he married Elnora Gardner.

On July 14, 1942 he entered the U.S. Marines and served in the Pacific Theater until being discharged Dec. 12, 1945.

He was a setup man for American Motors Corp. for 35 years, retiring Oct. 31, 1983.

He was a member of Ke-Nash-A Club, Local 72 Retirees and was a life member of Veterans of Foreign War Post 1865.

Surviving are his wife, at home;....

Two brothers, George and Walter, and a daughter, Mary, preceded him in death.

DEATH of ELNORA:

"Kenosha News," Kenosha, Wisconsin, Monday, Sept. 18, 1989:

Elnora K. Bielski, 66, died Sunday morning (Sept. 17, 1989) at the St. Claire Hospital in Baraboo.

The daughter of the late Leslie and Adelide (Link) Gardner, she was born March 31, 1923 in Kenosha.

She attended local schools and was a graduate of Kenosha High School. She had been a lifelong resident of the city.

On Jan. 11, 1947, in St. Mark Catholic Church, she married Carl Bielski. He died April 29, 1985.

She had been enployed at K-Mart Discount Stores as a card representative of the Sangamon Card Co. for 15 years.

She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and the Altar Society of the parish, St. Mary's Lutheran Friendly Center, Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Trinity Lutheran Senior League, Kenosha Senior Citizens Council, Senior Action Council, Daughters of Isabella, and a retired U.A.W. associate member.

Survivng her are.....

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary.

4. Leslie Eugene GARDNER (Leslie Helmer)

4. Bessie Irene GARDNER (R.C.M.) was born 22 Feb 1894 in St. Louis Twp., Gratiot Co., Michigan. She died 15 June 1959 in Kenosha, Kenosha Co., Wisconsin.

MARRIAGE of BESSIE:

Bessie married Jacob J. HERRMAN on 18 Oct 1916. Jacob was born 1 Mar 1891. He died 16 Nov 1962.

5. Mildred Leora GARDNER (R.C.M.) was born 13 Mar 1896 in Ithaca, Gratiot Co., Michigan. She died 4 Nov 1986, in DuPage Co., Illinois.

MARRIAGE of MILDRED:

Mildred married Andrew P. JACOBSON, son of William T. JACOBSON, on 29 Jan 1918 in

Wheaton, DuPage Co., Illinois. Andrew was born 24 Dec 1897 in Waukegan, Lake Co., Illinois. He died 9 Aug 1968 in Dallas, Dallas Co., Texas.

CENSUS:

1920 U.S. Census, Ward 4, City of Waukegan, Waukegan Twp., Lake County, Illinois:

Andrew Jacobson, 22 married, b. Illinois, both parents b. Finland, time keeper for ??

Mildred, 23, wife, b. Michigan, both parents b. Michigan

Andrew, 1 year 1 month, son, b. Pennsylvania

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1930 U.S. Census, City of Waukegan, Waukegan Twp., Lake County, Illinois:

Andrew P. Jacobson, 32, rents for $55.00, first married at 20 years old, b. Illinois, both parents b. Finland, traveling salesman for an auto factory, is not a veteran

Mildred L., 32, first married at 20 years old, b. Michigan, both parents b. Michigan

Andrew G., 11, son, b. Pennsylvania

Leora J., 4 years 3 months, b. Colorado

Gerald J., 2 years 3 months, b. Wisconsin

DEATH of ANDREW:

"Kenosha News," Kenosha, Wisconsin, Saturday, 10 Aug 1968:

Andrew P. Jacobson, Sr., 70, 7100 26th Ave., died at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Tex., Friday morning following a short illness. He was taken ill while visiting his son.

He was born in Waukegan, Ill., on Dec. 24, 1897, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William T. Jacobson. He received his education in the schools of Waukegan and later moved to Kenosha.

On Jan. 29, 1918, he married Miss Mildred L. Gardner. She survives him.

Mr. Jacobson was associated with the Kenosha Auto Transport Co. for many years and had served as vice president of the firm. He was also associated with several other transportation companies.

His survivors, in addition to his widow, are two sons, Andrew G. Jacobson of Dallas and J. Wade Jacobson, Glen Ellyn, Ill.; a daughter, Mrs. Ronald C. (Jean) Meteiver, Elkhart, Ind.; two brothers, C. Edward of Flint, Mich., and Thomas W. of Kenosha; and four sisters, Mrs. Annette Woodward, Palm Springs, Calif.; Mrs. Clair (Sadie) Sherwood, Kenosha; Mrs. Frank (Wilhelmina) Markkula, Waukegan, and Mrs. Carl (Bessie) Bruch, Greenfield, Wis.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren.

DEATH of MILDRED:

"Kenosha News," Kenosha, Wisconsin, November 5, 1986:

Mildred L. Jacobson, 90, formerly of Kenosha, late of Glen Ellyn, Ill., died at 8:32 a.m. Tuesday, (Nov. 4, 1986) at the DuPage County (Ill.) Convalescent Home.

Born March 13, 1896 in Ithaca, Mich., she was the daughter of the late R.C. and Millie M. (Lewis) Gardner. She attended Traverse City, Mich., schools and lived in Kenosha from 1937 until 1981.

On Jan. 29, 1918 she married Andrew P. Jacobson in Wheaton, Ill. He died Aug. 9, 1968.

Survivors are two sons, Andrew G., Dallas, Texas, and J. Wade, Glen Ellyn; a daughter, Mrs. Ronald C. (Jean) Meteiver, Elkhart, Ind.; a sister, Lila Williamson, Traverse City; seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a brother and two sisters.

The Hanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred and Andrew had the following CHILDREN:

1. Andrew G. JACOBSON (Mildred) was born 21 Dec 1918 in Pennsylvania.

2. Leora Jean JACOBSON (Mildred) was born 9 Dec 1925 in Denver, Colorado. She died 25 Dec 1996 in Elkhart, Elkhart Co., Indiana and was buried in Rice Cemetery, Elkhart, Elkhart Co., Indiana.

MARRIAGE of LEORA JEAN:

Leora "Jean" married Ronald Clifford METEIVER, son of Clifford S. METEIVER and Esther, on 2 Feb 1952 in Madison, Dane Co., Wisconsin. Ronald was born 14 Jun 1927 in Kenosha Twp., Kenosha Co., Wisconsin. He died 25 Feb 1992 in Elkhart Twp., Elkhart Co., Indiana.

DEATH of RONALD:

"The Elkhart Truth," Thursday, Feb. 27, 1992:

Friends of Ronald C. Meteiver, 64, a local attorney, may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Hartzler-Gutermuth Funeral Home. Private family services will be Saturday at Rice Cemetery.

Mr. Meteiver died at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 25, 1992) shortly after admittance to Elkhart General Hospital. He was born June 14, 1927, in Kenosha, Wis. He married L. Jean Jacobson on Feb. 2, 1952, in Madison, Wis. She survives with....

Mr. Meteiver earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin. He received his master's degree from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. He was a Navy veteran of World War II.

From 1952 to 1955 he served in the military as an attorney for soldiers accused of military and civilian crimes. He moved to the U.S. Justice Department, where he served in the tax division representing the Internal Revenue Service, advancing to the positions of supervisory trial attorney and assistant chief of the tax division's review section. In 1964 he was presented with the department's Sustained Superior Performance award by the attorney general.

Since 1966, Mr. Meteiver had practiced law in Elkhart, opening his own firm in 1982.

He was a member of the Elkhart City Bar Association, Indiana State Bar Association and American Bar Association. He has served on the board of directors for Sheltered Workshop, Elkhart Rehabilitation Center and Cancer Services of Elkhart County, and served on the executive board of the Boy Scouts of America Northern Indiana Council. He was an Eagle Scout and a Distinguished Eagle Scout, in addition to beng a member of the National Eagle Scout Association and of the National Distinguished Eagle Scout Association, a membership exclusive to 700 people.

Mr. Meteiver was a former member of the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, Elkhart Elks Lodge, Elcona Country Club and the United Way of Elkhart County.

Memorials may be given to the Elkhart County Humane Society.

DEATH of LEORA JEAN:

"The Elkhart Truth," Elkhart, Indiana, Dec. 27, 1996:

A private family service for Leora "Jean" Meteiver will be on Monday. Burial will be in Rice Cemetery. Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mrs. Meteiver, 71, died at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday (Dec. 25, 1996) in Elkhart General Hospital after a brief illness.

She was born on Dec. 9, 1925, in Denver, Colo. As Leora Jacobson, she married Ronald C. Meteiver on Feb. 2, 1951, in Madison, Wis. He died on Feb. 25, 1992. Surviving are.....

Mrs. Meteiver was a homemaker and a member of the National Audubon Society and the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association and was an active supporter of the Elkhart County Humane society.

Memorials may be given to the Elhhart County Humane Society.

3. J. Wade (or Gerald) JACOBSON (Mildred) was born 13 Dec 1927 in Kenosha Twp., Kenosha Co., Wisconsin. He died 14 Apr 2006 in DuPage Co., Illinois.

DEATH OF WADE:

Services for J. Wade Jacobson, 78, will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Mr. Jacobson died Friday, April 14, 2006, following a long illness. Born and raised in Kenosha, Wis., Wade graduated from Kenosha High School and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He married the former Edith McNeil of Kenosha in 1956. Settling in Glen Ellyn with his family in 1964, he lived there for 39 years, before moving to Wheaton in 2003. Wade had a long and distinguished career in the transportation industry, ending as an independent consultant. After his retirement from transportation in 1990, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of environmental protection and recovery by being employed for the next 12 years at the Great Lakes National Program Office of the EPA, where he worked to restore the Great Lakes. He is survived by..... In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark's Church, 393 N. Main St. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.

6. Francis Adelbert GARDNER (R.C.M.) was born 12 May 1899. He died 30 Nov 1899.

7. Lila Norrienne GARDNER (R.C.M.) was born 10 Apr 1909 in Williamsburg, Whitewater Twp., Grand Traverse Co., Michigan. She died 21 Mar 1996 in Whitewater Twp., Grand Traverse Co., Michigan and was buried in Circle Hill Cemetery, Whitewater Twp., Grand Traverse Co., Michigan.

MARRIAGE of LILA:

Lila married Wayne L. WILKINSON, son of Eban G. WILKINSON and Hattie LOVELESS, on 8 Sep 1934 in Williamsburg, Whitewater Twp., Grand Traverse Co., Michigan. Wayne was born 11 Sep 1906 in Rockford, Kent Co., Michigan. He died 26 May 1968 in Williamsburg, Whitewater Twp., Grand Traverse Co., Michigan and was buried 28 May 1968 in Circle Hill Cemetery, Whitewater Twp., Grand Traverse Co., Michigan.

DEATH of WAYNE:

"Traverse City Record Eagle" Traverse City, Michigan, Monday, May 27, 1968:

Wayne L. Wilkinson, 61, died early Sunday morning at his Williamsburg home after a sudden illness.

Mr. Wilkinson was born September 11, 1906 at Rockford, was a 1924 graduate of Rockford high school, later lived at Cedar Springs, and had been a resident of Williamsburg since 1938. He owned and operated Gardner and Son well drilling company and was a member of Rockford Congregational Church.

On September 8, 1934 at Williamsburg he was married to Lila Gardner, who survives....

A prayer service will be held at 8 o'clock this evening at Reynolds funeral home in Traverse City, then the body will be taken today to the Wilkinson home for private funeral services at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Rev. Dr. Howard R. Towne will officiate at services, with burial in Circle Hill

cemetery, Williamsburg.

DEATH of LILA:

"Traverse City Record Eagle," Traverse City, Michigan, Saturday, March 23, 1996:

"Every Student Mattered" to this English teacher.

Educator was one of the founding faculty members at NMC

To Al Shumsky, Lila Gardner Wilkinson was that most remarkable of English teachers: the kind who never complain about all the papers they have to grade.

"This was her job, these were her students, and every one mattered," said Shumsky, who retired last year after 35 years of teaching English at Northwestern Michigan College.

He should know. Wilkinson was his own English teacher at the old Traverse City Central High School and later one of the founding faculty members at NMC. She died Thursday at age 86.

A native of Williamsburg, Wilkinson grew up in the house her father built when she was a baby; she lived there for almost her entire life. She started as an elementary schoolteacher in the late 1920's and was among the teachers who had to endure a 50 percent cut in pay during the Great Depression. In 1934, she married Wayne Wilkinson.

In 1946, she received her bachelor's degree in education from Central Michigan College - graduating summa cum laude, and joined the faculty at the former high school. When the college was founded in 1951 under the auspices of the Traverse City Board of Education, she became one of the first instructors on its faculty.

During her tenure at NMC, she spent a year as a Fulbright Exchange teacher in the Netherlands and a sabbatical year studying at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. She was widowed in 1968 and retired from teaching in 1974 - though she continued working as a volunteer at Munson Medical Center, did some world traveling with her friend and retired colleague Ernestine Johnson, and tutored and cared for several children in her neighborhood.

For the past three years, she presided over an extensive remodeling project in her childhood home, living in the attached garage for much of the time. Friends say it was a "pride and consolation to her" that the work was done before she died.

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"Traverse City Record Eagle," Traverse City, Michigan, Saturday, March 23, 1996:

Lila N. Wilkinson, 86, one of the original faculty members at Northwestern Michigan College, died Thursday at her home in Williamsburg.

An English professor, she retired in 1974 after teaching many years.

She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Rockford and an associate member of First Congregational Church in Traverse City. She also was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

She enjoyed traveling and had visited five different continents.

The daughter of R.C.M. and Millie M. (Lewis) Gardner, she was born on April 10, 1909, in Williamsburg. On Sept. 8, 1934, in her parents' Williamsburg home, which later became her home, she married Wayne L. Wilkinson, who died on May 26, 1968.

She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Leslie, Orby, and Francis, and three sisters, Verna, Bessie, and Mildred....

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the Howard R. Towne Chapel of the First Congregational Church, the Dr. Gary Hogue officiating.