Gilbert Walter Wick

Gilbert Walter Wick, age 86, passed away, at his home, on Monday, February 22, 2016 in Avon Park, Florida.  He was born on May 2, 1929 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Nicholas and Elsie (Moll) Wick. Gil was a skilled athlete who passed up a football scholarship at Marquette University to pitch in the Cleveland baseball system (well before big time pro contracts!). He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and then joined the grocery business where he became a meat cutter by trade. He married Mary Ann Payleitner in 1952 and they raised 5 children in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. The couple moved to Avon Park, Florida, 17 years ago. Gil was very active with the Highlands Ridge Community and Golf Club. He sang with the Heartland Harmonizers and was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. He loved all sports, especially golf. He also enjoyed dancing, singing, reading, travel and solving crossword puzzles. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his attentiveness to calling anyone he met by name, and his warm sense of appreciation and quiet humility.

His love for Mary Ann was profound; the two served as role models for retirement and taught well the importance of living life to its fullest. Survivors include his wife: Mary Ann Wick - Avon Park, Florida; children: Patrick Wick - Dallas, Texas, Peter (Jane) Wick – Wales, Wisconsin and Rio Verde, Arizona, Pamela Wick – Oak Park, Illinois, Paula Wick (Elizabeth Buerger) - Madison, Wisconsin, and Peggy (Thomas) Hauser - Elm Grove, Wisconsin; six grandchildren: Malcolm Wick, Catherine Wick, Bill (Anne) Wick, Morgan (Nick) Henning, Annie Hauser, and Jack Hauser; and three great-grandchildren: Owen Wick, Eloise Wick and Cecil Henning; siblings, Edith Schmitz - Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Franklin (Elaine) Wick - The Villages, Florida. He was preceded in death by sisters, June Olsen; Grace Maurer; Marion Paschke; Thelma Jochimsen and Shirley Arnold, brothers, Albert Wick, Robert Wick and Harvey Wick. There will be a celebration of Gil’s life and love on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at 10:30, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.

Memorials may be made to Kiva.org Wick Memorial Fund