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Served with Honor - United States Military Veteran
Lewis B. Wilson Jr.
Lewis B. Wilson Jr.
October 13, 1923 - May 09, 2011
Moline, Illinois

Visitation: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday May 13, 2011 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island, Ill.
Mass of Christian Burial: 1:00 p.m. Saturday May 14, 2011 at Christ The King Catholic Church, 3205 60th St., Moline, Ill.
Vigil Service: 3:00 p.m. Friday May 13, 2011 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island, Ill.
Interment: Saturday May 14, 2011 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Rock Island, Ill.

Lewis B. Wilson, Jr., 87, of Moline, died Monday, May 9, 2011 at the University Of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Christ The King Catholic Church, Moline. Burial is at Memorial Park Cemetery, Rock Island, where military honors will be presented by Moline American Legion Post 246. Visitation is 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island, where a Christian wake service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to Alleman High School, Augustana College or to the Humility of Mary Shelter, Davenport.

Mr. Wilson was born on October 13, 1923 in Rock Island, a son of Lewis B. Sr. and Louise M. Coffman Wilson. He married Joan Funk in 1946 in Iowa City. He later married Geraldine Fields Schmitt in 1974 in Rock Island.

Lew was a WW II U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He served as a Staff Sergeant with the 4th Marine Division on several Pacific Islands from 1942 – 1945.

He graduated from Rock Island High School and the University of Iowa. Lew was also a graduate of the University Of Wisconsin School Of Banking and the Ohio School of Real Estate Lending. He joined First National Bank of Rock Island in 1946 and served on its Board of Directors, the Executive Committee of the board and served as the bank’s Executive Vice President. Lew was also the owner and manager of the Sheraton Philadelphia/Fort Washington, owner of the Sheraton Ithaca, NY, Hotel on the Cay, St. Croix, Virgin Islands. In addition Lew started the Quad City Athletic Club, served as president of the Silvis Savings and Loan Association and was president and manager of the Sheraton Rock Island, as well as serving as a member of the building and formation group.

Mr. Wilson was deeply committed to the City of Rock Island and served in many capacities supporting the community. He served as President of the Rock Island County Bankers Association, President of the Group IV Illinois Bankers Association, Chairman of the Rock Island Retail Bureau, President of the Rock Island Red Cross and President of the Rock Island Community Chest. He was a member of the Rock Island Arsenal Golf Club, Muscle Cup Winning Gold Team, Rock Island Optimist Club, Soma Golf Club, Baypoint Golf Club, Board of the Episcopal Synod State of Illinois, and the Rock Island Elks Club. Lew served on the Rock Island Zoning Board of Appeals, was a member of the Rock Island High School football, basketball and track teams in ’40, ’41, and 1942. Lew received the “Most Improved Football Player” award during his senior year in 1941. He received the “Outstanding Citizen Award” in 1939 from Washington Junior High School, Rock Island. Lew was named “Boss of the Year” in 1956 and received the “Distinguished Service Award” from the Rock Island Chamber of Commerce in 1950.

Lew’s love was for Rock Island and his family. He also enjoyed traveling and had visited most of the major capitals of Europe and the Middle East.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Gerie; children, Stephen L. (Annette) Wilson, Susan G. Wilson (Jonathon Paul), Lewis B. (Katherine) Wilson III, Michael S. Wilson, Jennifer L. Wilson (Ryan Fojo), Kelly S. (Brian) Mende and Russ T. Schmitt; grandchildren, Stephen Wilson Jr., Bradley (Athena) Wilson, Brent (Tina) Wilson, Nicholas (Angela) DeVolder, Megan Wilson, Seth (Katja) Paul, Katherine (Brian) Creasser, Benjamin Paul, Melissa Mende, Samuel Mende, Katharine Schmitt, Sadie Wilson-Voss and Felix Wilson-Fojo; great grandchildren, Brycon Wilson, Calvin Wilson, Bella Starr Wilson, Camdyn Wilson, Chiara Paul, Amelie Paul, Ivan Paul, Theo Creasser and Soren Creasser; brother, Charles (Kathleen) Wilson; and sisters, Marilyn Chappell and Elinor (Tom) Klingbiel. He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant children.

Online condolences may be left at www.wheelanpressly.com.



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Dear Brian, Kelly, Melissa, Sam & Jeri and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your loss. It is those wonderful memories in your hearts that will forever join you all together and keep you close until your able to see each other again. Soon and very soon. May you find strength during these hard times. Love, Scott, Lisa, Amy and Eric.
-- Smith Family, IL

Dear Gerie and the Wilson families,

I was so sorry to read of Lew's death. I enjoyed the times I spent visiting with him during the Alleman Reunion festivities. He was always so jovial and a great conversationalist. I am sorry I am unable to be there for the services (we are still in AZ), but I am sending Big Hugs to all of you via cyberspace. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and the community - what wonderful accomplishments he earned and worthy contributions he made! Love, hugs, and prayers, Carol
-- Carol and Jim Loula

I extend my deepest sympathy to Gerie and all of Lew's family for their loss. Lew leaves many with very fond memories. God bless all. from an former neighbor and Rocky friend, Betty Sherrard Magee
-- Betty Sherrard Magee

Steve: We send our sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad.
-- LIZ & ED Kiely

Dear Gerie and family, I am so sorry to hear of Lew's passing. He was such a kind man and always so willing to offer encouragement, praise and thanks. He touched a lot of lives in the long, busy life that he lived. I am sure that he will be missed and fondly remembered by many. I pray that all the wonderful memories you have of him help you through this time of loss.
-- Joy Kauffman, Largo, FL

We've known you as neighbors for 28 years. You played golf in dad's foursome. You were good friends with our family. We discussed politics, investments, sports and WWII. We will miss having you around. It's comforting to know you, Red and dad are on the links together once again.
-- Eva Nell & Bryan Heliker

Steve and Family, Our thoughts and prayers our with you and always.
-- Lee and Donna Ehlers

I was one of lew's neighbors for many years in florida. Gerry and Lew were like 2nd grandparents to my children. They are some of the most incredible people I know! Very loving and accepting of everyone. They were always there to host a perfect dinner and bring a crowd together. We spent many holidays together with the family. I wish I could be there this weekend but it is my daughters bday and I know Lew never would let me do that. From the day I met Lew he reminded me of my Grandpa. A warm loving heart. I'll miss him dearly and send warm wishes from the whole Florida neighborhood and all our wonderful memories together! Well always love you Lew and Gerry :) Love the Urbans!!!!
-- The Urbans

Dear Gerie and the Wilson Family

Through Brent, Nadine and Ron we here in Albany, NY had the opportunity to meet Lew. He was just a great person and our thoughts and prayers go out the entire Wilson family.
-- Bill & Diane Brown

Steve , Your Family & YOU have our Deepest Sympathy & Condolences ! Jim & Joan
-- James & Joan Kramer

So very sorry to hear about LB. We were just getting back from AZ where Bill was taking care of family matters so we were not able to attend visitation. Please extend our sympathy to the entire family.

Bill and Evelyn Healy
-- Bill and Evelyn Healy

Gerie and family,

My sincere sympathy on the death of your dear husband and father. Only last week did I meet you and Lew at the Starlite Ballroom. S. Marilyn Reyes introduced us. It was my pleasure to become acquainted.

On reading the obituaries I saw what an outstanding, generous man Lew was. My prayers are with you.


-- Roberta Shadensack

He will be a part of me to the day I pass. He was a part of my youth. I did not find out about your loss until Sunday at church. What a loss I felt in my heart. I have you all in my thoughts. To Sis and to Steve you will be especially in my thoughts. May you all find comfort in that his journey is not over. The greatest trip of his life is now unfolding. Herbert BRYAN cROMPTON
-- Herbert and Judy Crompton

Much too belated condolences to a great man and a dear family friend.
-- Tom Pappas