Wendell R. Gilbreth

Wendell R. Gilbreth, 83, of Galva, passed away at 10:20 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2026, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center.

He was born July 13, 1942, in Tennessee the son of James Terry and Theresa Gilbreth. He married Stella Marie (Raley) Burwell in December 1971; she preceded him in death on February 5, 2026. He was also preceded in death by Stella’s son, Robert Joe Burwell, as well as his parents and siblings, Billy, Donald, Ruble, Linda and Jimmy.

Survivors include his daughters Connie Risk of Rockford and her children Ashley Doyle (Luke), Eric Nebel and Kylie Risk (D’Marco); Melinda (Joe) Hilerio of Apopka, FL; Stella’s son Andrew Burwell of Chicago; daughter Kim Burwell of Springfield, IL and her children Jacob and Juan Burwell; and his daughter Devyn; as well as their grandson Chad (Brandy) Gilbreth of Peru, IL and their daughters Stella, Sunny, and Goldie.

A Vietnam combat veteran, Wendell served in the U.S. Army in communications. He was a simple, quiet man, a homebody who found his greatest satisfaction in the small, steady rhythms of daily life and in being present for family, especially in his role as Great Grandfather. He worked for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 for 42 years and retired after a long career of dependable service.

A eulogy will be read at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, immediately followed by a memorial visitation from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Rux Funeral Home. Inurnment for Wendell and Stella will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 18 at Galva Cemetery with Deacon Michael Crummer officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Illinois National Guard Military Honors and the Galva Fusiliers. Memorials may be directed to the family for a memorial to be established. 

Wendell lived simply and loved quietly. Those who knew him will remember a man of few words whose loyalty, work ethic, and steady hands spoke louder than anything he might have said. The family welcomes memories and stories that reflect the gentleness and constancy of his life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wendell R. Gilbreth, please visit our floral store.