Walter C. “Wally” Julison, 79, died suddenly Feb. 20, 2003, at his home in Oak Harbor. He was born Oct. 7, 1923, in Maywood, Ill., to Harry and Mary (Klinker) Julison. He spent much of his early life in Maywood.

Mr. Julison enlisted in the U. S. Coast Guard on Oct. 27, 1942. His military service took him to Brooklyn, New York City, Atlantic City, Boston, Norfolk, New Orleans and Everett, Wash. He was released from service March 21, 1946 as a seaman first class.

Mr. Julison was married to Patricia O’Shea and they settled in Elmhurst, Ill. That marriage ended in divorce. Wally was employed by Northwest Electric as a purchasing agent at Mount Prospect. At the age of 50, Mr. Julison took up competitive bicycling. He competed in bicycle tours for more than 15 years. He retired from the electrical business and in 1985, moved to Oak Harbor. He was married to Mae M. Buchholz in Oak Harbor on Nov. 30, 1989.

Mr. Julison was an avid fisherman and enjoyed RV travel. He also enjoyed league bowling at Oak Bowl. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Whitehead-Muzzall Post 7392 and Fleet Reserve Branch 97, both of Oak Harbor.

Mr. Julison is survived by his wife Mae at the family home Oak Harbor, six children and their spouses: Kathleen and Joseph Gonzales of Plainfield, Ill.; Timothy Julison of Wapello, Iowa; Cynthia and Warren Schriks of Western Springs, Ill.; Dennis and Molly Julison of Minneapolis; Jean and Ron Swanson of Shabbona, Ill. and Ken and Diana Julison of St. Charles, Ill. and by two stepsons, David Schwolow of Springdale, Ala., and Michael and Cookie Schwolow of Oak Harbor. Two brothers and their spouses, Richard and Elaine Julison of Arlington Heights, Ill., and Harold and Noni Julison of Collins, Mo., also survive, as well as 15 grandchildren and one great- grandchild. Michele Burt, his daughter, and Marion Wittersheim, his sister, preceded him in death.

Cremation was held. Inurnment with military honors was held Feb. 24 at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent. Arrangements were by Burley Funeral Chapel. This obituary is also at http://burley.plan4ever.com.