Charles R. Gilliam 1929-2010

GILLIAM, VAN SAUN, FRUDDEN, SCHUMM

Posted By: j.n. (email)
Date: 10/19/2010 at 17:17:28

TELEGRAPH HERALD
DUBUQUE, IOWA
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2010

Charles R. "Chuck" Gilliam

Charles R. "Chuck" Gilliam, 81, of Santa Clara, Utah, formerly of Dubuque, passed away Friday, Oct. 1, 2010, at his home in Santa Clara.

Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, Dubuque, with his beloved wife, Gretchen. The Metcalf Mortuary, George, Utah, is in charge of arrangements.

He was born on Aug. 21, 1929, in Greene, Iowa, son of Charles E. Gilliam and Louise (Van Saun) Gilliam. He grew up in Dubuque, attending Dubuque Senior High School.

He enlisted in the Marine Corp in 1946, completing flight school in August of 1950. He served his country in the Korean War as a decorated pilot achieving the rank of first lieutenant. He remained in the military until 1953, eventually flying officers to various cities in Europe and beyond. He related that this was the fun part of his military duty. He also was in the Corsair scenes in the movie "The Flying Leathernecks."

He married Gretchen Frudden, of Dubuque, on Nov. 17, 1951; she preceded him in death on Feb. 16, 2007. She was the love of his life (since kindergarten) and they had many, many happy years together. They lived in Dubuque from the early 50s to 1990.

Chuck was president of the Frudden Lumber Co. retiring at age 59 with the sale of the company. He served on the boards of Finley Hospital and Linwood Cemetery and as president of the Iowa Lumberman's Association. He was a member of the First Congregational Church, where his beloved wife served as their music director for several years. He also was a Mason, Shriner and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

He had many interests including photography, woodworking, gardening, aviation, sports and reading.

Chuck and Gretchen moved to Santa Fe, N.M., in 1990, and Santa Clara, in 1997, their final place of residence. Though away from their hometown, Chuck and Gretchen found comfort and strength in their deep Dubuque roots. To the many who loved Chuck, he was known as caring, generous, sweet-natured and most of all, a loving husband and father. He will be greatly missed.

Surviving are his sister, Jeanne Schumm, of New Virginia, Ill.; a daughter, Gretchen (Larry M.) Gilliam Hart, of Lakewood, Colo.; and nieces and nephews.

He also was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Gilliam.

In memory of Chuck, donations may be given to the Dubuque Humane Society, an animal shelter of your choice and to Hospice.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.metcalfmortuary.com.