Benjamin F. Gillard

Benjamin Franklin Gillard, the youngest of ten children of John and Mary Anna (Weininger) Gillard, was born at his family farm near Brownville, Nebraska on July 7, 1925. Ben grew up in Brownville and graduated from Brownville High School in 1942. He attended Radio/telephone School in Kearney, Nebraska and then started working at KGFW Radio Station. In 1943, he was drafted into the Army and served in Europe during World War II. Upon arrival at Omaha Beach he dug a fox hole, with thousands of other soldiers, watched as American planes bombed the German lines. He served in the military as a radio operator and forward observer to guide the artillery fire. He was honored with a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, the European Theater Medal, four Battle Stars, a Victory Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.

After the war, Ben enrolled in the Peru State Teacher's College in Nebraska. It was during this time that he married Mildred Pauline Meyers, also of Brownville, Nebraska, on August 1, 1948. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Nancy Ann, Rodney Franklin, Connie Eda, and Kimberly Pauline. Ben taught math and science and won the "Science Teacher of the Year Award" from the state of Nebraska. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska and University of South Dakota earning a Masters Degree in Education and Physics, Chemistry and Math. In 1960, Ben took a position at the National Bureau of Standards in Boulder, Colorado and worked ten years in the space program to develop a guidance system to land the astronauts on the moon.

In 1973, the Gillard family moved to Glenwood, Iowa where he and Mildred built their home. Ben took a job at the Glenwood State School until his retirement in 1989, but continued to substitute teach at Glenwood High School. Through the years, Ben was active in the Gideon's, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Glenwood Parks and Recreation, and the Glenwood Senior Center. He gave countless hours volunteering in various projects with the Senior Citizens, Gideon's prison ministry, the Glenwood Public Library, and Hospice. He was very happy to receive recognition as "Volunteer of the Year". As part of his giving nature, Ben donated the land where the Glenwood Community Church was built. He was an extraordinary, giving, compassionate person, believing in hard work, no complaining and always service to others.

Mildred died in 1998, two months short of their 50th wedding anniversary. Ben had lovingly cared for her at home during her long illness. Ben continued to be active in Glenwood and substitute teach at Glenwood High School.

In 2004, Ben and Nora Rush were married. After a battle with cancer, Ben died at his home on October 24, 2006 at the age of 81 years, 3 months, and 17 days. All who knew and loved Ben or were touched by his life, will miss him tremendously.

Ben was preceded in death by his wife Mildred; his parents; sisters Lois Gillard, Mary Gillard and Ruth Gillard; brothers Lowell Gillard, Edward Gillard, Marion Gillard and John Gillard.

Ben is survived by his wife Nora; daughters Nancy Gillard and husband Meade Snoddy of Pullman, WA, Connie Gillard of Lakewood, CO, and Kimberly Hast and husband George of Council Bluffs, IA, and son Rodney Gillard and wife Rosie of Commerce City, CO; seven grandchildren, Shannon Calabro, Nicholas and Patrick Gillard-Byers, Chad and Jake Simmons, Kendra Benallo, and Megan Luff; five great grandchildren, Caitlin, Caleb and Caydence Simmons and Maci and Jayden Calabro; and brothers Archie Gillard and Harry Gillard of Tabor, IA.