Willard "Bill" Gilland

Willard “Bill” Gilland, 57 of Belview, MN passed away peacefully at the Valley Truck Stop while on the road trucking near Atlantic, Iowa on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. A Celebration of life will be held for Bill from 1-3 pm on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at the Sunset Funeral Home in Echo with a prayer service starting at 3:00 pm. Interment will follow the service at the Renville Cemetery. The Sunset Funeral & Cremation Association is caring for the family. Willard “Bill” Douglas Gilland Jr. was born on November 12, 1957 to Willard and Mary (Moritz) Gilland in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. He grew up in Renville and attended Renville Public Schools. He moved with his family to Belview when he was a junior in high school. Bill was united in marriage to Kerry Bjorndahl in Mankato, Minnesota and they made their home on a farm near Belview. To this union, one son, Jeremy Gilland was born. Bill was a lifelong truck driver and worked for several companies over the years including Gilland Transfer, Ashburn Trucking, Landstar Ranger, Warren Transportation, and Jared Jakel Trucking. He enjoyed drag racing, playing cards, visiting with friends, teasing his nieces and nephews, and spending time with family. On Wednesday, November 11, 2015, Bill passed away peacefully at the Valley Truck Stop near Atlantic, Iowa while on the road trucking. He is survived by his son, Jeremy Gilland of Belview; his father, Willard Gilland Sr. of Sacred Heart; special friend, Susie Ose of Echo; siblings, Debbie (Clyde) Burdick of St. Cloud, Ron (Theresa) Gilland of Lakeville, and Tim Gilland of Sacred Heart; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents. Blessed be his memory.