Gary passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at age 81 after struggling for many months with illnesses. Loving husband of Noreen (nee Woods). Those left to cherish his memory are his brother, Rev. David Killian (Barbara O’Neil), nephews, Elliot Killian Ignasiak (Laura), Brendan Killian (Hilary), Jeffrey Woods (Sharon) and niece, Meeya Killian (Curtis), brother-in-law Brent Woods along with other relatives and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Alphonse and Helen Killian and his sister Marilyn Killian.
He was born in Independence, Wisconsin in 1943 and grew up in Milwaukee. Gary graduated from Don Bosco High School in 1961 and attended MATC. He served his country with the U.S. Army Reserve from 1966-1972. He married Noreen in 1972 and they lovingly enjoyed over 52 years together. Gary worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance and later with Mutual Service Insurance. A few years later he and 2 colleagues formed their own insurance agency, Best Insurance in Milwaukee. He and his partners worked together for 38 years before retiring in 2015. Gary enjoyed golfing, traveling and was an avid Do-it-Yourself guy working on the many projects a 90-year old house provides during the 40 years that he and Noreen lived there. When not working on those projects, he and Noreen enjoyed traveling to Europe, Greece, the Caribbean, Mexico and many spots in the US. He delighted in
attending annual family reunions in the Independence area of western Wisconsin. Connecting with aunts, uncles and many cousins was very special to him. Gary was always ready for a party with relatives or just sitting on our front porch with wonderful neighbors and friends.
“GARY, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED, REMEMBERED AND MISSED.”
We would like to thank the staff at Froedtert Hospital and Horizon Hospice for the caring support and assistance that was provided.
Private burial services were held at Forest Home Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be held to honor Gary’s life with family and friends at a later date. Details will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, family would appreciate donations to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund in Arlington, Virginia or the National Park Foundation in Washington, D.C.
