1939
Thomas
2006
Thomas Gillespie
December 13, 1939 — January 5, 2006
Thomas Lee Gillespie was born to Merle B. Gillespie and Lena M. (Thiessen) Gillespie on December 13, 1939 in Sutherland, IA. Tom attended K-10 at Sutherland Elementary and Sutherland High School. June of 1956, Tom and his parents moved to Morris, where he graduated in 1958. Tom joined the Iowa National Guard in February of 1957. On February 15, 1965, he was discharged from the Iowa National Guard. He then joined the MN National Guard in 1973 until his retirement in 1987, after reaching the rank of Sergeant First Class. On March 4, 1959, he was united in marriage to Betty Lou Andersen.
Tom was employed with various retail feed and seed companies until 1971. He then enrolled at U.M.M., graduating in June of 1975, with a BA Degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. In August of 1975, Tom began employment with the City of Morris as Building Official, Assessor and Zoning Administrator until his retirement in 1999. Tom held various offices which included President of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church Board, Past President of the Chapter of International Conference of Building Officials.
Some of Tom's hobbies included fishing, carpentry, traveling to several places throughout the U.S. and the world, watching sprint car racing. Tom was also an avid history buff, impressing many people with his knowledge of events that have happened throughout history. First and foremost Tom's family was his pride and joy. Spending time with Betty, his children and grandchildren was his favorite way to spend any day.
Tom and Betty's 46 years of marriage blessed them with four children and ten grandchildren.
Tom died on Thursday, January 5, 2006 at the SCMC Courage Cottage in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 66 years.
He is survived by his wife: Betty Gillespie of Hancock; four children: Craig (Gwen) Gillespie of Morris, Julie (Sam) Jepma of Sauk Rapids, Shari (Alan) Braaten of Glenwood and Carrie (Rick) Hennen of Morris; his grandchildren: Trevor, Ashley, Tanna, Taylor, Traci, Cassidy, Madison, Peyton, Amanda and Nicole and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Bonnie Tiffany and Donna Admire.
Pallbearers for the service are: Trevor Jepma, Ashley Jepma, Tanna Braaten, Taylor Braaten, Traci Braaten, Cassidy Hennen, Madison Hennen, Peyton Hennen, Amanda Gillespie and Nicole Gillespie. Honorary pallbearers are all who called Tom, ?Friend?. Lois Strei will serve as organist for the service and Trevor Bailey will provide Bagpipe music. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.
Tom was employed with various retail feed and seed companies until 1971. He then enrolled at U.M.M., graduating in June of 1975, with a BA Degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. In August of 1975, Tom began employment with the City of Morris as Building Official, Assessor and Zoning Administrator until his retirement in 1999. Tom held various offices which included President of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church Board, Past President of the Chapter of International Conference of Building Officials.
Some of Tom's hobbies included fishing, carpentry, traveling to several places throughout the U.S. and the world, watching sprint car racing. Tom was also an avid history buff, impressing many people with his knowledge of events that have happened throughout history. First and foremost Tom's family was his pride and joy. Spending time with Betty, his children and grandchildren was his favorite way to spend any day.
Tom and Betty's 46 years of marriage blessed them with four children and ten grandchildren.
Tom died on Thursday, January 5, 2006 at the SCMC Courage Cottage in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 66 years.
He is survived by his wife: Betty Gillespie of Hancock; four children: Craig (Gwen) Gillespie of Morris, Julie (Sam) Jepma of Sauk Rapids, Shari (Alan) Braaten of Glenwood and Carrie (Rick) Hennen of Morris; his grandchildren: Trevor, Ashley, Tanna, Taylor, Traci, Cassidy, Madison, Peyton, Amanda and Nicole and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Bonnie Tiffany and Donna Admire.
Pallbearers for the service are: Trevor Jepma, Ashley Jepma, Tanna Braaten, Taylor Braaten, Traci Braaten, Cassidy Hennen, Madison Hennen, Peyton Hennen, Amanda Gillespie and Nicole Gillespie. Honorary pallbearers are all who called Tom, ?Friend?. Lois Strei will serve as organist for the service and Trevor Bailey will provide Bagpipe music. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.
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