Gary L. Gillis Obituary – Green Bay Press-Gazette

Gary L. Gillis

Suamico – Gary L. Gillis, 73, Suamico, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 2, 2022 after a battle with cancer. He was born on June 26, 1948 in Green Bay to Donald and Rose (Kulhanek) Gillis. His father passed away at a young age but Gary’s family was blessed to have Gerald Woehler join their family as their step-father. On August 24, 1968, Gary married Diane Anderson at Nativity Catholic Church. Soon after, Gary was drafted into the US Army and served a tour in Vietnam. When Gary returned from war, they started their family and were blessed with Tammy and Jason. They shared an amazing and loving 53 years together.

Gary worked as a machinist and quoter most of his career at Bay Industrial Machine. He retired in 2011 but returned to the work force at his fun job at Tight Lines Fly Fishing, Co. Gary truly enjoyed his retirement with full days of puttering around the little log cabin, fishing with his many fly-fishing friends and many family gatherings. He proudly built two boats and turned many fly-fishing poles – he was most proud to have passed this talent onto his grandson. Gary enjoyed sharing his love of fly fishing and fly tying. He volunteered with Veterans Service Partnership which encouraged veterans to learn the art of fly-fishing. He made sure each gathering on Tuesdays at Tight Lines was inclusive and full of friendship.

Gary had a solid faith and was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. His family was everything to him and he was so proud to watch each of his grandchildren grow. Gary’s kindness and cheeky humor will be missed by all he touched.

Gary leaves behind his wife, Diane; two children, Tammy and Jason (Charlotte) Gillis; four grandchildren, Madelyn Valentine, Andrew Valentine, Vivian Gillis and Oliver Gillis; his brother, Mike (Cindy) Gillis; his sister, Jaqulyn Hertzberg; sisters-in-law, Carol (Ray) Spiller, Julie (Ben) Blackshear, Linda Anderson, Mary (Keith) VandenLangenberg.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Gillis and Rose (Jerry) Woehler; a sister-in-law, Denise.

Visitation will be at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., (to avoid the construction area, please use the west side, closest to Military Ave, entrance and parking lot.) from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday June 7; Funeral Service to follow at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Rufus Kudee officiating. Full Military Honors will conclude the service. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

The Gillis family would like to thank the staffs of the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, Green Bay Oncology and Compasses Hospice, especially Robin, for their diligent care of Gary. Thank you to his many fly-fishing buddies that made sure he was safely on the water enjoying what he loved to do.

Memorials in Gary’s name can be made to help clean up Wisconsin rivers and to Veteran Service Partnership.