MADISON - Gilbert A. “Gil” Kania, age 91, of Madison, passed away on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on May 23, 1930, in Milwaukee.

After attending grade school on the south side, Gil attended Boys Technical High School and spent his summers working on his Uncle Frank’s farm in Lena, WI where he developed a strong work ethic. He also participated in the Polish Mazur Dancers, where he performed ethnic dance and played the accordion. After graduating from Boys Tech in June of 1949, Gil immediately enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and attended Radio Operators School at Keesler A.F.B., in Biloxi, Mississippi. Gil served during the Korean War in both Guam and Korea. He was discharged in December of 1952 from Truax Field A.F.B. in Madison, WI.

Gil was united in marriage to Eileen Finley on Oct. 16, 1954, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Madison and they returned to Milwaukee’s south side where they lived for the next 60 years. He entered the Milwaukee Police Department on April 6, 1953 and retired in October of 1986, after 33 ½ years of service at the 2^nd District Police Station on Milwaukee’s south side. Gil then worked for six years as a Court Security Officer for the Federal Courts under the U.S. Marshall Service. He retired in July of 1992 to do some traveling and enjoy his golden years.

Gil was a past president of Milwaukee Retired Policemen Association, a member of VFW Post No. 9469 and Milwaukee Police American Legion Post No. 415, and a member of the Air Force AACS Alumni Association. He was a long time member of Blessed Sacrament Parish Holy Name Society in Milwaukee where he was a grade school football coach, softball coach, and a Boy Scout leader.

Gil loved traveling! He took the family on many vacations by car throughout the United States. After the children were grown, he and Eileen traveled all over the world and they especially loved taking cruises with relatives and friends. On their trip to Ireland, Eileen pronounced Gil “IBM-Irish By Marriage” and presented him with an “IBM” pin to wear. Gil enjoyed a rich, full, and busy social life because of his love of his extended family and big circle of friends. Seven years ago, Gil and Eileen downsized and moved to Madison to be closer to their extended family. He enjoyed playing and watching sports and cooking his homemade Polish Kluski noodles and five hour “no peek” stew.

Gil is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Eileen; two sons of whom he was very proud, Gerald (Donna) Kania and James (Debbie) Kania; lovely daughter, Karen (David) Tuschel; and three grandchildren, Erika Tuschel, Megan Kania and Kyle Kania. He was preceded in death by his mother, Regina; and stepfather, Chester Brzeczkowski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday. A graveside service will be held at MOUNT OLIVET CEMETERY AND MAUSOLEUM, 3801 W. Morgan Ave., Milwaukee, at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Gilbert A. Kania

May 23, 1930 - January 17, 2022

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