John R. Gilsdorf

MADISON/BRIDGMAN, MICH - John Robert Gilsdorf, age 81, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully, with his wife by his side on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016. He was born on June 29, 1935, the son of John "Jack" and Ermina (Pratsch) Gilsdorf in Green Bay. John graduated from East DePere High School in 1953. He continued his studies until enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1955. John was stationed at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, where he met and married Helen Potterf on Oct. 6, 1956. Following his honorable discharge in 1957, John continued his education at Stout State College, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree, with distinction in Industrial Education in 1960, his Master of Science in Industrial Education in 1962 and in 1971, received his Specialist in Education degree all from Stout State University. John worked for Hamilton Manufacturing in Two Rivers, then Gisholt Machine Corp. before beginning his career as a professor at Madison Area Technical College from 1964-1993. John was well known for his bow ties and jovial sense of humor and in 1971, was selected as Outstanding Educator of America. Always keeping busy, John enjoyed driving charter bus for various private companies, including many trips to Lambeau Field and Camp Randall. Even in retirement, he drove shuttles and was a private chauffeur for local retirement homes. John served on the Board of MATC Credit Union, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers for 25 years, and the Board of Trustees at Lake Edge United Church of Christ, where John and Helen were lifelong members until moving to Michigan, where they joined Zion United Church of Christ in Baroda, Mich. He was always helping people who needed help from a local disaster or a homeless shelter, or church work/mission trips around the United States. John always had a power tool in his hand when not teaching, and up until 2012, he was remodeling and creating beautiful wood crafts. He and Helen started their own craft business taking special orders and selling at various craft malls. He was also a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan as well as a stock holder and season ticket owner. John loved and supported the efforts of the American Red Cross nationally and locally. He held the record for the most gallons of blood donated for many years. In 2010, after being lifelong Wisconsin residents, John and Helen sold their family home in Madison and moved to Michigan to be near their daughter. In 2013, they moved to Woodland Terrace Senior Living Community in Bridgman, Mich., where John peacefully fell into an eternal sleep, while sitting next to his beloved bride of nearly 60 years. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, including his wife, Helen of 60 years; daughters, Janet (Rick) Mankowski of Bridgman, Mich., Karen (Mike) Bitter of Madison and Linda Gilsdorf of Madison; grandsons, Jonathan (Amber) Mankowski of Stevensville, Mich, Jerimiah (Sarah) Mankowski of Sun Prairie, Steven (Katie) Bitter of Jacksonville, N.C., Jack Bitter of Sun Prairie and Nicholas (Ashley) Bitter of Marshall; great-grandchildren, Bryce McConnell, Lauren Mankowski, Emma Bitter and Nolan Bitter; sister, JoAnne Lanz of Ukiah, Calf.; sister-in-law, Linda (GB) Ogle of Dayton, Ohio; and his loving and faithful companion, Benji. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, with the Rev. Julie Overman presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park with military honors being conducted. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 noon until the time of the service on Friday. John's family asks that you continue to support The American Red Cross in his memory. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420