William Karl "Bill" Gullberg Sr.

William Karl Bill Gullberg, Sr. age 88 of Stronghurst, Illinois died at 11:30 a.m. Saturday March 1, 2014 at Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa. He was born December 18, 1925, on the Stoot Farm northeast of Youngstown, Warren County, Illinois, the son of Karl Arthur and Susie Brown Gullberg.

He was raised on a farm north of Ponemah, Illinois. He attended Liberty School and graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1941.

During World War II, when the National Guard was called to war, the Illinois Militia was formed of grandkids and grandparents. Bill served as Corporal under Army control, doing flood control, tornado damage, strike control and domestic duties.

With his family, Bill expanded his 4-H project into Gullberg Turkey Farm. For 24 years, thousands of turkeys were raised, dressed and marketed.

In July, 1948, Bill married Shirley Marie Reitman of Little York. She died in March, 2013.
Bill and Shirley began farming on the Reid Everett farm north of Stronghurst, where, with his 3 sons, Bill Jr., Kim, and Jon, he raised and bought cattle in Missouri from farmers to feed out.

Bill was active in community and national affairs. He served on several National Cattlemens committees and was active in Democrat Party politics. He served as family historian, and was proud of his Algonquin Native American heritage, as well as his dads coming to America in 1910. He was a lifetime member of the Monmouth Lutheran Church and a member of the American Legion.

After retiring, Bill received a real estate license, and established Stronghurst Realty, with his son, Jon.

Survivors include three sons, William K. (Chris) Gullberg Jr., of Kirkwood, IL., Kim (Sherry) Gullberg of Stronghurst, IL., Jon (Diane) Gullberg of Media, IL., eight grandchildren, Meagan, Karl, Taryn, Ross, Holly, Ryan, Kara, and Maggie, nine great grandchildren, and two sisters, Susan Pfuehler of Cheney, WA., and Karlene Gullberg of Columbia, IL. He was preceded in death by his wife and parents.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Saturday March 8, 2014 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. The funeral for Mr. Gullberg will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday March 9, 2014 at Banks & Beals with Dan Ashton officiating. Burial will be in the Olena Cemetery, near Stronghurst. Memorials have been established for Henderson County Family Outreach Community Center and the Ronald McDonald House. Condolences may be left at www.banksandbeals.com.