Gilman "Gilly" V. Glenna

Gilman "Gilly" V. Glenna, 98, of Winona, MN, passed away peacefully at Brookdale Assisted Living in Winona, MN, on the morning of Saturday, March 7, 2020. Gilly was born to John and Olga "Flattum" Glenna in Highland, MN. He was raised during the Great Depression where he learned to appreciate what he had, work hard, and cherish his family. Gilly enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1942, and was always tremendously proud of his service to his country. During his time in the service, Gilly was awarded five battle stars and four service ribbons for his time in the South Pacific Theatre as a part of the 13th Jungle Air Force and 42nd Bomb Group, reaching the rank of Corporal. Gilly received his honorable discharge in January of 1946, and returned home. On June 2nd, 1951, he was married to Irene C. Bruss, with whom he had eight children. Over his working career, Gilly started his own trucking company and worked at Bay State Milling for 40 years. Gilly enjoyed ski jumping, bowling, carpentry and masonry, driving motorcycles (Harley Davidson) across the country, and traveling with his family. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. Gilly was a caring person, who would do anything for anyone if he was asked, and he will be missed by his children, Keary (Sue) Glenna, Vince Glenna, Sheryl (Chris Vokaty) Kjellberg, Wes (Tami) Glenna, and Aarron (Kathy) Glenna; his 13 grandchildren, his 26 great-grandchildren; his brother, Jerome (Bernita) Glenna; and extended family and friends. Gilly was preceded in death by his parents; son, Gilman Jr; daughters Tonja and Renay; son-in-law, Rick Glenna; brothers, infant Sidney Orval Glenna, Floyd (Alta) Glenna; Sisters, Adeline (Paul) Bunke, Viola (Wally Politske) (Lawrence) Himlie, and Lyla (James) Moger. A funeral service will be at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview, MN, at 1:00 PM on Sunday, March 15, 2020, with Pastor Richard Moore officiating. There will be a visitation one-hour prior and burial will follow the service at Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to St. Martin's Lutheran Church in Winona. Please visit www.hofffuneral.com to sign Gilly's guest book and leave a tribute.