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Francis Edward Wilts, 93, formerly of East Peoria, died Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, at his home in Danville Calif.
Born on Sept. 28, 1918, Francis married Pauline Jeanette (Foerter) Wilts. She survives.
Also surviving are his sons, James (Marilyn) Francis Wilts and Charles (Elizabeth) Edward Wilts and their children Aaron Francis, Nathan Joesph and Krista Elizabeth of Woodland Calif.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank John Wilts and Bertha Magdalene (Unziker) Wilts; two brothers, Elmer John Wilts and Gerald Wilfred Wilts; and his daughter Jeanette Carol Wilts.
During his high school years in Roanoake, he supported himself earning room and board by working in a local restaurant. In 1937 became an apprentice machinist with Caterpillar Tractor Company in East Peoria.
From 1941 until 1946 he served in the United States Army attaining the rank of captain. He was commander of Company “B” 823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion from 1941 until the end of the war in Europe. Company “B” was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, and the French Croix De Guerre with Palm for its action against the enemy on August 7-8 1944, at Mortain and St. Barthelmy, France. Captain Wilts was awarded the Silver Star Medal and the Bronze Star Medal.
From 1946 until 1979, he continued his employment with Caterpillar Tractor Company, working at plants in East Peoria, Glasgow, Scotland and San Leandro Calif. At the time of his retirement, he was the Manufacturing Manager at the San Leandro plant.
Francis enjoyed ballroom dancing, golf, camping and backpacking. He and his wife were dedicated RVers. They took numerous trips across the United States and Canada, being away from home months at a time, exploring the country and visiting friends and family. He was a devoted and loving father and husband.
Francis did not wish to have a memorial service. Remembrances should be made as a charitable donation to a veteran’s organization as that was a regular part of his charitable gifting.
Francis Edward Wilts, 93, formerly of East Peoria, died Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, at his home in Danville Calif.
Born on Sept. 28, 1918, Francis married Pauline Jeanette (Foerter) Wilts. She survives.
Also surviving are his sons, James (Marilyn) Francis Wilts and Charles (Elizabeth) Edward Wilts and their children Aaron Francis, Nathan Joesph and Krista Elizabeth of Woodland Calif.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank John Wilts and Bertha Magdalene (Unziker) Wilts; two brothers, Elmer John Wilts and Gerald Wilfred Wilts; and his daughter Jeanette Carol Wilts.
During his high school years in Roanoake, he supported himself earning room and board by working in a local restaurant. In 1937 became an apprentice machinist with Caterpillar Tractor Company in East Peoria.
From 1941 until 1946 he served in the United States Army attaining the rank of captain. He was commander of Company “B” 823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion from 1941 until the end of the war in Europe. Company “B” was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, and the French Croix De Guerre with Palm for its action against the enemy on August 7-8 1944, at Mortain and St. Barthelmy, France. Captain Wilts was awarded the Silver Star Medal and the Bronze Star Medal.
From 1946 until 1979, he continued his employment with Caterpillar Tractor Company, working at plants in East Peoria, Glasgow, Scotland and San Leandro Calif. At the time of his retirement, he was the Manufacturing Manager at the San Leandro plant.
Francis enjoyed ballroom dancing, golf, camping and backpacking. He and his wife were dedicated RVers. They took numerous trips across the United States and Canada, being away from home months at a time, exploring the country and visiting friends and family. He was a devoted and loving father and husband.
Francis did not wish to have a memorial service. Remembrances should be made as a charitable donation to a veteran’s organization as that was a regular part of his charitable gifting.
