Beatrice L. Gilman, 90, of Madison and formerly of Eau Claire, died on Saturday, July 26, 2008, at Orchid Home in Verona, Wisconsin. She was born in Mondovi on February 25, 1918, a daughter of Benton and Louisa (Nelson) Paulson.\r\nShe grew up on the family farm in the town of Dover. Her family attended Evanger Lutheran Church in the town of Dover near Independence. Following graduation from Gilmanton High School, Beatrice attended Buffalo County Normal School in Alma for her teacher's training. She taught school, did substitute teaching, and also worked as a teacher's aide.\r\nBeatrice married Kenneth E. Gilman on December 24, 1937, in St. Paul, MN. They lived in Gilmanton until moving to Sparta in 1954, and later to Tomah. Kenneth died in 1979, and Beatrice moved from Tomah to Eau Claire in 1985. She was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Eau Claire.\r\nThroughout her life, Beatrice enjoyed the company of many cherished relatives and friends with whom she shared countless fond memories.\r\nBeatrice is survived by her daughter, Margaret (Robert) Baudhuin of Madison; three sons, Dan (Patricia) Gilman of Bella Vista, AR, Michael Gilman of Sandy, OR and John (Linda) Gilman of Bella Vista, AR; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grand-children; a sister, Florence Eberhardt of Eau Claire, her brother, John (June) Paulson of Eau Claire and several very special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.\r\nShe was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth; and three sisters, Borghild Paulson, Alice (Clarence) Johnson and Margit (Gordon) Loomis.\r\nMemorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2008, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Eau Claire with Pastor Gary F. Sahs officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the church. Burial will be in Gilmanton Cemetery, Town of Gilmanton, WI. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.\r\nFamily members wish to express their sincere gratitude for the compassionate care that Beatrice received at the Orchid Home, 1013 Gateway Pass, Verona, WI 53593, and for the extraordinary guidance and assistance from Care Wisconsin, 2802 International Lane, Madison, WI 53704, and Hospice Care, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to the organizations listed here or to Evanger Lutheran Church, W101 Evanger Rd., Independence, WI 54747.\r\n

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