Bonnie May BENNETT, nee Gillespie. Passed away. Published May 14, 2023 Beloit Daily News.

Green Bay – JAMES J BYRNES (88) of Green Bay, formerly of Sturgeon Bay, passed away on February 12, 2018. He was born April 13, 1929 in Chicago to John and Agnes Gillespie Byrnes. Jim was married to Delores Monica and divorced in 1984. He married Alice Hockemeyer in 1986. Jim served six plus years in the Army, in the Far East, Japan and Korea, was a life member of the De Pere VFW Post 2113 and a member of their Honor Guard. He was employed for 30 years with RA Stearn, Inc, Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Sturgeon Bay, and until his final retirement in 2003 with Jamestown Metal Marine in Boca Raton, FL. Jim was active in the Masonic Fraternity and served as Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin in 1982. He was a member and past presiding officer of many Masonic related organizations. Jim’s hobbies included Amateur Radio WA9PFS (Ex N4NHM) and researching his family Genealogy. He received dual Irish citizenship in 1993. Jim spent his spare time assisting in reorganizing and enlarging the Northeast Wisconsin Masonic Library and Museum at the Green Bay Masonic Center.

Anthony Gillespie death June 27, 1892 Dane Co, Wisconsin

Annaq Gillespie death Oct 21, 1892 Dane Co, Wisconsin

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Betty L Gillespie  of De Pere, died Saturday night June 24, 2012 at home, surrounded by her family at home. She had fought a courageous 18 month fight with cancer. Betty was born on December 2, 1926 in Milwaukee, later moving to Shawano with her mother, Patricia Heyse, and older sister to attend high school where she met her future husband, Bob Gillespie. After WW II, the married couple moved back to Shawano for one year, then to Antigo, WI. While in Antigo, Betty worked for the Wisconsin Telephone Company before moving to West De Pere in 1965. It was here she started and eventually retired from her career of 22 years as a transportation supervisor with Fort Howard Paper Company. Betty was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, William R. (Droop) Gillespie, her parents George and Patricia (Heyse) Adams and her sister, Jeanne Smith. Survivors include her three children, Jerry (Sue), Jim ( Sandi), Jennifer (fiancé, Nick Leonard), nine grandchildren, Shannon Griffin (Jeff), TJ (Sylvia), Chris (Tracy), Jacqueline and Michael Gillespie, Jennifer Walker, Aaron, Peter, and Andy Lain and eleven great-grandchildren, Merrick, Madison, Mikaila Griffin and Sammie Gillespie, Keaton, Julia, Alyssa, Jacob, Owen Lain, Ty and Ethan Walker. Visitation was held at Ryan Funeral Home in De Pere on Tuesday evening. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am on Wednesday June 27, 2012 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, De Pere with Father Tim Shillcox, O. Praem., officiating. Burial in Allouez Cemetery.

Bettye V. Gillespie 83, of Naples, FL. Died the 12 of March, 2009. Formerly of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she had been a Naples resident since 1985. She was born the daughter of George and Agnes Vaughn of Tulia, Texas, moving to Wisconsin in 1945. She was loved by three husbands. Earl Gillespie, Paul Gilles, and Richard Pease.-golfers all. She was an avid golfer always playing her rounds down the center of the fairway. Mrs. Gillespie is survived by her children-Rick (Ginny) Pease, Sherry (Tom) Stecker and Nancy (John) Guy. Mary Kay (Tom) Hayes, Trish (Joe) Duffy, John (Trish) Gillespie, and Margie B. (Jim) Potter. Also Mary Sue Gilles, Martha (Steve Bruce) Gilles, Bob (Michelle) Gilles, and Bill Gilles. She is also survived by her brother, Charles (Marie) Vaughn of Amarillo, Texas. As with many extended families, she is survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She possessed a great smile and was very loved by all. Visitation for family and friends was Friday March 20, from 5PM to 7PM at the Shoreland Community Church, 8710 N. Deerwood Drive, Brown Deer, WI.

Brenda K Gillespie (Racine, Wisconsin), born in Macon, Mississippi, who passed away at the age of 65, on September 11, 2022. She was predeceased by: her parents, Katherine Gillespie and Daniel Gillespie; her grandmother Della Sanders; her aunt Pecola Tippet; her granddaughter Denim Neal; and her brothers, Curtis Edwards, Morris Edwards and Julius Edwards III. She is survived by: her children, Della Hughes (Eric) of Jackson, MS, Felicia Gillespie of Racine, WI, Sheketta Gillespie of Green Bay, WI, Shavonda Neal (Donald) of Dallas, TX and Donald Gillespie (DeAndrea) of Houston, TX.; her grandchildren, Deantre Franklin, Tyrique Franklin, Tatyana Franklin, Mikella Townsend, Eric Hughes Jr., Eriel Hughes, Daneria Gillespie, Donasti Neal Donald Gillespie Jr., Namreh Thomas, Donald Neal III, Damiere Neal and Destin Neal; her great grandchildren, Emerald and Egypt Franklin; and her siblings, Donald Gillespie (Daisy) of Kenosha, WI, Arlene Gillespie of Dallas, TX, Charles Gillespie, Carl Edwards (Valerie) of Macon, MS, Sylvester Edwards (Cynthia) of San Jose, CA, Cpt Bobby Edwards of Yazoo, MS, Betty Clemons Edwards of La Grange, GA and Velma Yates of Macon, GA.. Visitation and Funeral Service on Monday, Sept 26th at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd, Mt Pleasant, WI 53403

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Christine Gillespie passed away. Published April 13, 2022. Wisconsin State Journal.

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Deann M Gillespie has died. Published Dec 16, 2019 The Janesville Gazette, WI

Delmar L Gillespie has died. Published June 27, 2013. Leader-Telegram. WI

Dorothy L Gillespie has passed away. Published Oct 24, 2018. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

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Earl William Gillespie, Jr. died December 12, 2003, age 81. A famous sports broadcaster.

Edith Gillespie death Oct 4, 1903 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Gary E Gillespie, passed away. Published August 4, 2023. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

George Anthony Gillespie passed away. Published April 29, 2021 Milwaukee Journal Centennial.

Gillespie death March 4, 1896 Dane Co, Wisconsin

Gillespie death Feb 2, 1906 Columbia Co, Wisconsin

Gordon A Gillespie has passed away. Published March 5, 2015 Ripon Commonwealth Press, WI

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James Gillespie Sept 19, 1903 Door Co, Wisconsin

James H Gillespie. An attorney, Banker Land Developer Age 72, of North Hudson, WI. Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 10, 2009. Survived by wife of 49 years, Mary; daughters, Jennifer of Woodbury, Sara of Madison WI, Amy of Washington D.C.; sisters, Georgiana Hollister (David) of Roseville, Martha Tiede (David) of White Bear Lake, Marus Sherman (Dennis) of Vacaville, CA, Kathryn Belzer (Edwin) of Nova Scotia; many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Ruth and James “Ike”, infant daughter and brother, Thomas. Jim was active in many community organizations, holding leadership roles with Family Means, Family Violence Network, United Way of Washington County East, Lakeview Hospital Foundation, First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, St. Croix Valley Foundation, University of Minnesota YMCA, St. Paul Rotary, and Northern Star Council Boy Scouts of America. Memorial service Monday, 11:00 A.M. at First Presbyterian Church,  6201 Osgood Avenue North, Stillwater. Visitation Sunday  2:00-5:00 P.M. at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Centre,  2800 Curve Crest Boulevard (NW corner of Hwy 36 & Co Rd 5), Stillwater and also one hour prior to the service at church.

Jeannie Gillespie passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024, at the age of 87. She was born on August 25, 1936, in Antigo, WI and raised by Louie and Cecelia Keen. Jeanne graduated from Antigo High School where she met and later married her high school sweetheart, William Gillespie, on December 27, 1954. They attended UW – Madison until Bill was drafted by the US Army. After his service at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, Jeanne and Bill moved to the Green Bay area where they settled in the wilds of Ashwaubenon in 1966. While raising their children she completed her bachelor’s degree and certification through UW – Green Bay. She went on to earn her master’s degree from UW – Milwaukee in 1985. Jeanne was a teacher at Parkview Middle School throughout her whole career up to her retirement after 20 years.

When Jeanne wasn’t enlightening her students, she was fostering a lifelong love of travel in her family resulting from numerous family vacations in the U.S. and Europe. She enjoyed gardening, reading, thoughtful conversation in addition to golf and can proudly boast a hole-in-one witnessed by five other golfers at Mid Vallee. She loved following the Packers and her beloved Brewers. She is survived by her daughter, Julie (Dan) Bramschreiber; son, Brack (Sherry) Gillespie; four grandchildren, Nina (Alex) Sarokin, Bo Bramschreiber, Brynn Gillespie, and AJ Gillespie; and great-grandchildren, Eva and Reece Sarokin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and grandson, Reece William Bramschreiber. In accordance with Jeanne’s wishes no formal services will be held. Burial will be at Fort Howard Memorial Park.

Jefferson “Jeff” W Gillespie, After a valiant fight with cancer, Jeff has gone to be with Jesus on July 2, 2026. Jeff was born to Jefferson Seals and Nancy Irene (Koch) Gillespie on December 28, 1961, in Milwaukee. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1980 where he met the love of his life, Terri Tatlock, they married in 1984 and became parents to Grant and Morgan. Jeff earned several degrees including an associate’s degree in Industrial Engineering (MSOE), bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering (MSOE), associate’s degree in Accounting (MATC), associate’s degree in Plastic Technology (MATC), and was one class shy from obtaining his master’s degree in Engineering Management (MSOE). He was Licensed from Wisconsin as a Professional Engineer and was a Certified Manufacturing Engineer.  Jeff held several positions, his last position was at WMS Gaming before he became paralyzed in 2012. He was fond of researching his family ancestry and helping others find theirs. His hobbies included Ancient Aliens, NASCAR, Bigfoot, Milwaukee Admirals, and cooking.

Jeff is survived by his wife Terri, children Grant and Morgan, father Jefferson Seals Gillespie, sister Tammy Gillespie, mother-in-law Sharon Stehmeier, brothers-in-law Tim Tatlock (Dadka), Todd Tatlock (Patti), Troy Tatlock, Ryan Stehmeier, and Mike McConville (Carrie) and many nieces and nephews. Though Jesus took him to our Heavenly Home early he had a good life. We take comfort in knowing that he is no longer fighting cancer, no longer paralyzed, and we will see him again. Visitation at the Max A Sass &  Sons Greenridge Chapel (4747 S 60th St., Greenfield) on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 10:30 AM until the time of service at 12:30 PM. Burial took place in Arlington Park Cemetery, Greenfield.

Jenny A Gillespie death June 14,1881 Juneau Co, Wisconsin

Jerome (Jerry) Michael Gillespie 75 of Manitowoc, WI. passed away at home from cancer on July 23, 2025, with his family by his side. Born October 04, 1949, in Watertown, WI. To Jack and Dorothy Gillespie. He graduated from Antigo, WI. in 1968. Married Margaret (Peggy) Lukas in 1968 they later divorced. Married Connie (Borgwardt) Gillespie July 22, 1989, in LaCrosse Wi. Jerry loved deer hunting, pheasant hunting, and camping. He worked for MultiStates Utility Company, Century Telephone, LaCrosse, WI. Then he drove semi for many years for Best Line/Marten Transport/Roehl and finally found a family home at Brunzlick Trucking out of Augusta, WI. Ron and Sue are the best. Jerry retired from there, and moved with Connie to Manitowoc, WI, to be by their younger grandchildren. Jerry is survived by daughter Jordyn (Alex) Pernice Manitowoc, WI. And their children Hudson, Sawyer and Kaisley. Sons Joe Gillespie Onalaska, WI and his children Katie Gillespie and fiancé Jacob, Westby WI. Lukas Gillespie and friend Shanay, Cashton, WI. Son Mark (Dawn) Leindecker Oshkosh, WI. His daughter Kelsie. Daughter Jessica Zitzner, MO. Special son in-law Jeff Zitzner Viroqua, Wi. And Granddaughter Kelsey Zitzner, MO. Two sisters, Jan (Michael) Whitten Pigeon Forge, TN. Jeannie (Gary) Fries Maple Plain, MN. Brothers Joe (Joy) Gillespie Antigo, WI. James Gillespie Jordan, MN. And Jethro (Janna) Gillespie Fayette, MI. Sister in-law Marilyn (David) Quindt Albert Lea, MN. Brother in-law’s Bill (Mary) Borgwardt Independence, WI. Bob (Diane) Borgwardt Rathdrum, ID. And Bob Rutschow Whitehall, WI. Special friends and former in laws Val and Walt Allen and daughter Debbie David West Allis, WI. Also, special friend Sue Tiegs Mondovi, WI. And Sharon Diestler Antigo, WI. Many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother John, in-laws Chuck & Gladys Borgwardt. My sister-in-law Nancy Rutschow. Stepmother Nancy Gillespie. A Celebration of Life was held on August 23, 2025, from 1-4 at the Legion Club Gilmanton, WI.

John Gillespie death Sept 16, 1900 La Cross Co, Wisconsin

John Gillespie death Dec 6, 1901 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

John Paul Gillespie 50, passed away on May 28, 2024, in Fort Mill, SC. The world forever changed with the birth of JP on June 4, 1973. It had been raining for days, but that day the sun shone bright with blue skies. His parents have been so proud of him from that day forward. He graduated from De Soto High School, class of 1991 and the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) with a degree in architectural engineering. JP loved hiking, going out on the river, and attending concerts; especially the ones he attended with his children. His personality was summed up by the speech he gave at the senior honors dinner, “If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with B.S.” JP’s career took him many places, including Colorado where he met and later married his former wife, Candice Lucas. They settled in Ballwin, Missouri where they raised three amazing children. His kids were his main passion, and providing for his family meant everything to him. All his friends had mentioned something similar: “JP was my best friend and all I had to do was contact him and he was always there for me.” His laughter and demeanor will forever live in our hearts. JP is survived by his three children: Erin Gillespie (Deirde Hennssey), Jackson Gillespie and Ian Gillespie; mother, Laurie Long; father, John (Lori) Gillespie; sister, Rachel (Jared) Mickschl; brother, Donny (Alex) Long; sister, Sarah (William) Swoyer; brother, Thomas (Angel) Gillespie; sister, Megan Gillespie; brother, Nicholas (Breanna Neering) Gillespie. He is also survived by “his Jess,” Jess Everson. Along with many aunts, uncles and cousins who he loved dearly, namely Greg Hammel and Heidi (Matt) Feuerhelm. JP was greeted on the other side by family members awaiting: grandparents: Harvey and Sue Halverson; grandparents: Patrick and Shirley Gillespie; aunt, Linda Hammel; cousin, Chris Hammel; uncle, Daniel Gillespie; uncle, Joseph Gillespie; cousin, Kaitlin Gillespie and his best friend, Kriss Regan.

Please help us celebrate JP’s life on August 10, 2024 – 12:00 to 4:00 PM at the De Soto Community Center (57 Crawford Street, De Soto, WI 54624). We ask for all to play cards, games, laugh and share  your stories about JP.

Joseph Gillespie death Feb 2, 1902, Dane Co, Wisconsin

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Kenneth Gillespie passed away. Published May 18, 2016 Kenosha News. WI

Kirkwood Gillespie has died. Published August 27, 2016. Cambridge News & Deerfield Independent.

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Laurie Lee Gillespie (Sutherland) born 1964, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The family is being cared for by Coulee Region Cremation Group.

 

 

Louis Gillespie passed away. Published Nov 17, 2024 Beloit Daily News.

Louis John Gillespie III  Beloit Daily News.  Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, whose vibrant spirit touched the lives of many. Louis John left this world on November 12, 2024 at the age of 84. He was predeceased by: his parents, Louis John Gillespie, Jr. and Doris Gillespie (Herrick). He is survived by: his wife Susan Gillespie of Luke’s Episcopal; his son Mark (Erin) of Altoona, WI; and his grandchildren, Cassidy Gillespie-Dipinto (Chris Rice) and John Martin Nelson Gillespie. Visitation and Memorial Service on Friday, Nov 22 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 212 W Grand Ave, Beloit, WI 53511

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Mae Gillespie has died. Published Feb 24, 2016. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Margaret Gillespie passed away. Published March 31, 2020. Antigo Daily Journal.

Mary Elaine Gillespie passed away. Published Sept 8, 2021 The Janesville Gazette.

Mary Katherine Gillespie (Van Dinter), age 88 of Appleton, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on April 18th, 2025 at Frontida of Kimberly shortly after celebrating her 88th birthday. She was born April 1, 1937 to the late Lester and Rose Van Dinter (Geurts).

On May 14, 1960, Mary married James (Jim) Gillespie and had two daughters, Cheri (Mike) Manderfield and Lori (Jay) Gillespie. In 1960, Mary and Jim co-founded Gillespie Gardens, Inc., followed by the establishment of Appleton Seed Company in 1987. Throughout these years, Mary was dedicated to her work as both a skilled hairdresser and a vital contributor to the family businesses. Together, Mary and Jim built successful and well-respected companies within their community, continuing their work until Jim’s passing in 1998. Mary and Jim cherished their time spent at their Cottage in Townsend, where they created lasting memories with their family and many friends. An avid ballroom dancer, Mary was a social person, often found attending “card nights” and get-togethers with her friends, or enjoying a good fish-fry and old-fashioned on a Friday night. Later in life, Mary remained in Appleton, where she continued to foster meaningful relationships and enjoyed the company of her many friends.

Along with her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Gillespie; daughter, Cheri Manderfield; son-in-law, Jay Sonnleitner; sister-in-law, Janice Van Dinter; brother and sister-in-law William and Judith Gillespie; and her close friend, Joyce Lecker. She is survived by her brothers, David and Daniel Van Dinter; her daughter, Lori Gillespie; her three grandchildren, Jeff (Ericka) Lecker, Nicole (Mitchell) Michiels, and Logan Gillespie; and her four great-grandchildren, Bella and London Lecker and Lainey and Harper Michiels. Mary is also survived by her close friends Sue Hagel and Judy Pocan. A memorial visitation was held from 10-11 AM on Friday, May 2, 2025 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1810 N. McDonald St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a mass that followed follow at 11 AM.  She was laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Appleton, WI.

Maxine A. L. Gillespie has died. Published Dec 2, 2018 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Michael Gillespie death Oct 20, 1890 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Michael Gillespie passed away. Published April 27, 2015. The Journal Times. WI

Michael O Gillespie, Sr, has died. Published May 1, 2015 Beloit Daily News.

Michael S Gillespie of MIlwaukee Oct 3, 2024. 

Michelle L. Gillespie (Nee Kirchner) Found peace on September 10, 2011, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Loving, loyal and dedicated wife of Jason. Proud and adoring mother of Andrew and Austin Guzlecki. Devoted daughter of Michael (Julie) Kirchner and Marjean (Mark) Young. Cherished daughter-in-law of Gary (Beverly) Gillespie. Loving sister of Heidi (Brad) Kirchner, Stacy Kirchner and Ashley Rajchel. Special cousin and best friend of Kim Lentz “Cruella”. Also survived by her loving grandparents, other loving family and friends. Michelle’s favorite thing was spending time with her two sons, family and friends. She enjoyed many creative activities, as well as snowmobiling and hunting. She was a dedicated employee at Robert W. Baird for many years.  Visitation on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, from 4 PM to 7:30 PM, at the Max & Sass & Sons Westwood Chapel, with the Funeral Service at 7:30 PM.

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Owen Gillespie death Oct 12, 1892 Dunn Co, Wisconsin

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Ronald Gillespie passed away. Published Jan 1, 2014. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Ronald Lee Gillespie December 30, 2013, age 63 years. Beloved husband of Annette (nee Fritsch). Dear father of Brad (Marta), Katie, and stepfather of Sarah (Jason) Bjodstrup and Jeffrey (Rebecca) Gryzkewicz. Loving grandfather of Landon, Devin, Dominic, Caden, Collin and Maddie. Further survived by brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Complete funeral services were be held Friday at Schaff from 9 AM until time of service at 11 AM. Interment Highland Memorial Park.

Ruby L Gillespie has died. Published April 7, 2016 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

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Unnamed female, death Feb 2, 1906 Rock, Wisconsin

Unnamed female death  July 2, 1906 Vilas, Wisconsin

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Victor Gillespie, was fatally shot. Published Feb 20, 2023 Fox 6-WITI, Milwaukee. WI

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Wesley Gillespie has died. Published Feb 4, 2016. Waunakee Tribune. WI

Wesley Gregg Gillespie Junior climbed the Stairway to Heaven on October 31, 2024, after 69 years of Earthly life. This particular chapter came to a close after a year-long battle with liver cancer.

Through his nearly seven decades of human life, Wesley lived many lives, ranging from his days as a gunslinging cowboy and world-class Poker player, to his career as one of the foremost suppliers to major meat packing corporations, and of course his eternal free spirit lifestyle, maintaining his hippie roots long after the Summer of Love. But beyond all his Earthly accomplishments, Wesley’s most prized role was that of father, to daughters Sierra and Brooke.

His story begins on May 25, 1955 in Elgin, Illinois. After seven miscarriages and failed attempts to conceive, the miracle child of Wesley Gillespie Jr. was finally born, the one and only son and blood child of his two parents. His father and namesake, Wesley Gregg Gillespie Senior, proved to be his father-figure, role model, business partner and life-long best friend. Wesley spent the first nine years of life in the Chicago suburb of Wheeling, Illinois, before heading north to Wisconsin, settling in the sleepy town of Lodi. And that’s when Wesley’s wild side really came out. In third grade, Wesley met another lifelong best friend, Doug Geeslin, who would also become a business partner. But before all that, they were inseparable buddies whose used Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky” as their mantra. When the days of driver’s licenses were just future daydreams, Doug and Wesley would walk along the backroads of Highway V to the Lazy G Farm, on the outskirts of Lodi. It was there that Wesley first learned the love of stretching his legs, riding through the hills on his horse, Captain Midnight, or playing games with his eternally loved dog, Tobey. The Gillespie men worked as ranchers on their cattle ranch. `All this foreshadowed the Gillespies’ mark on the future of the U.S. meatpacking world, but that would be decades down the line. Before all that, Wesley had to run wild between Lodi, Okee and Dane, cruising along Main Street past the Four Corners in his 1969 gold Camaro, likely hot boxing to the Doors or Led Zeppelin. When he finally rolled down the windows to let the summer breeze blow through the shoulder-length hair he refused to cut for his senior portraits, Wesley accelerated a bit too fast, and crashed that beloved Camaro into a telephone pole. Shockingly, the crash didn’t satisfy his need for speed. Following his graduation from Lodi High School in 1973, Wesley moved to the literal Wild West, where his bolo tie, cowboy hat and cowboy boots finally made sense. He loved the wide-open spaces underneath the vast western sky, working on his family’s cattle farm there. The love of these wide-open western spaces continued for the remainder of his life, making it a priority to introduce his daughters to the many mysteries of The Badlands and Deadwood, South Dakota, and the majesty of Yellowstone or Glacier National Park. Sprinkled in, of course, the haunted history of each of these places, and a couple hands of Poker.

Wesley’s pastime went far beyond hustling unsuspecting dive bar patrons to a game of Texas Hold ‘Em. He played religiously, even competing in elite Poker championships, including an invitation to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, Nevada.

His competitive streak easily transitioned to his love of fresh-water fishing, as he spent countless hours casting lures onto the glass-like surfaces of Wisconsin’s many lakes, eventually traveling across the country to compete in professional fishing tournaments. His many prized competition fish and towering first place trophies decorated the basement where his daughters would later host their slumber parties. During this era, he competed in the World Series of Bass Fishing and was even inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

Wesley was passionate about his hobbies and pastimes, but so too his career in the world of meat packing. He traveled from San Francisco to New York City during this timeframe, repairing smokehouses for some of the foremost meat suppliers in the world. For a brief stint in his 30s, Wesley worked at the Wisconsin State Capitol, appearing on the cover of the Wisconsin State Journal for both decorating the Capitol Christmas tree, and later for repairing the gilded bronze statue atop the building.

But in the early 90s, Wesley decided to go “all in” on the meat packing trade, founding Gregg Industries, along with his father. For three decades, his family-owned business proved invaluable in the world of meat packing. He repaired and supplied international companies with smokehouse parts, including major brands like Oscar Mayer, Hillshire Farm and Tyson. (Enjoy any cold cuts lately? You’re welcome.) During all this, Wesley’s personal life was jam-packed with parties along State Street, or camping trips to the U.P. He continued to foster relationships with those Lodi pals, and even reconnected with former classmates, including Jayne Rosandick.

While they met years before, Wesley and Jayne only started dating in their adult lives. Their happiest times were living in the small yellow house along Lake Wisconsin, or in the haunted apartment on North Street in Madison.They were married at the Dane County Courthouse on December 23, 1988, with Wesley’s father serving as Best Man, and Jayne’s mother acting as Maid of Honor. They honeymooned in Florida, celebrating their new nuptials and the news that Wesley’s testicular cancer was in remission. In 1993, their lives were forever changed, with the birth of their first daughter, Sierra Jayne. Four years later, their family was finally complete, after the birth of their second girl, Brooke Autumn Marie. At this point, Wesley hung up his fishing rods and gun holster (for the most part), and focused on his life as a father. For more than three decades, he spent every day as a devoted dad and friend to both daughters.

Wesley is survived by his wife, Jayne; daughters, Sierra (Matt Hietpas) and Brooke (Joey Mazzara); grandson, Nicholas “Nicky” Brooks; sister, Traci; brother-in-law Jay (Annie) Rosandick; sister-in-law Jody (Geoff) Vorlander; niece and nephew, Rachel (Will) and Carl Vorlander; beloved dogs, Dash and Sam; and countless friends, including Bob Meade, Tom Schilling, Doug Geeslin and Dennis Fisk.

He is proceeded in death by his father, Wesley Gillespie Sr.; grandparents, Harvey (Myrtle) Rasmussen, Katherine (Wesley) Gillespie; sister-in-law, Jan; infant daughter, Angel; best friends, Tom Koop, Jim Hook, Bob Schilling, Bob Bender; beloved dogs, Tobey and Ginger.

William G Gillespie 1857 – 1922 Wisconsin

William “Bill” Gillespie, 74, Suamico, died Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010, at a local hospital. He was born Feb. 19, 1936, in Antigo, Wis., to Brack and Gladys (Duquette) Gillespie. After graduating from Antigo High School and attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he served his country in the U.S. Army at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. On Dec. 27, 1954, Bill was united in marriage to Jeanne Keen. In 1960, Bill began his 25 year career in the financial field. He later opened and operated “The Hang Up”, a wildlife art and framing gallery for many years until his retirement. Bill was an avid sportsman; enjoying all shooting sports. He especially enjoyed the many trips he took out West with his shooting buddies. He was an active member and past president of The Brown County Sportsman’s Club and was a member of the Nicolet Gun Club. He sponsored wildlife organizations including Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Ruffed Grouse Society, Trout Unlimited and The Brown County Conservation Alliance, just to name a few.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jeanne; two children and their spouses, Julie and Dan Bramschreiber, Pulaski; Brack and Sherry Gillespie, Suamico; four grandchildren, Nina Jeanne and Bo William Bramschreiber, Brynn and AJ Gillespie; nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Reece William Bramschreiber; two brothers, Dr. Calvin Gillespie and Jack Gillespie; and a nephew, J.B. Gillespie.

Friends called at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday. Veteran’s Honors were presented at 6:30 p.m. Saturday followed by the Service of Remembrance.

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Catherine Gillespie MARX, passed away. Published June 12, 2025 Milwaulkee Journal.

Helen May MAUST, nee Gillespie has died. Published Nov 3, 2019 La Crosse Tribute

Sharia Mae PAVELL   Sept 11, 1950 – July 30, 2013 Published The Daily Press.

Neva POLLACK has died. Published Nov 19, 2019 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Gayle Marie PUSTHAVER nee Gillespie, passed away. Published Oct 26, 2017 Lodi Enterprise, WI

Corinne W WAKEFIELD (nee Gillespie). passed away. Published Sept 23, 2024 The Janeville Wisconsin Gazette.

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Record Count: 62

Source: Wisconsin Historical Society Death Index, Funeral Home Obituaries. Wikimedia. Wisconsin obituaries Archives. Obits Archive.com;  Find A Grave