John R. Gilsdorf

My grandpa, My brother and I grew up in Michigan, so our trips back "home" to Wisconsin were always very special for us. The excitement would build as soon as we hit Rockford (if my dad didn't miss the exit) and we could hardly contain ourselves by the time we finally got to grandma and grandpa's. Immediately after giving grandma a hug and kiss we would run downstairs to grandpa's workshop. What new toys did he have? How much sawdust was on the ground this time? What else can we make with grandpa? It's difficult for me to put into words what those trips were like or what they meant to me. It was a chance for us to see grandpa in his 'natural' habitat. Covered in sawdust and varnish from his various creations. We always got the tour..even into our teen years travelling back to Wisconsin. We always got to see all the new stuff he was working on. Every time he would tell us at least 1 new joke to take back to Michigan with us. That was my grandpa. Probably my fondest memory took place in 2001. See growing up in Michigan we were 'outcasts' as far as our love for all things Wisconsin. We loved the packers and badgers...it was ingrained into our DNA. My grandpa had been retired from teaching for quite a while but still drove bus often. He drove to Lambeau field regularly during the season. On a whim he asked me if I wanted to go with him. Growing up far away I had only gotten to the opportunity to see the mecca that is Lambeau field in person once. That was all about to change. We parked the bus, dropped everyone off at Lambeau and walked across the street to grandpa's favorite tradition, krolls west. As we were sitting there eating grandpa just happened to ask if anyone had tickets. We were about 10 mins from kickoff when the waitress came back and said the bar had 2 tickets on the 50 yard line. Now grandpa had a reputation for being a little...tight..with money sometimes...this was not one of those times. He immediately pulled his wallet out and we were off. I remember calling my mom telling her..being so excited I could hardly talk. We were going to our first game! Grandpa grew up in green bay but never got to see a game In person until that day. We played the Philadelphia eagles. Won the game 6-3. The final score could have been 60-0 with the eagles winning and it wouldn't have mattered. It's hard to explain the feeling you get walking into that place..but walking into it for the first time with grandpa was absolutely priceless. My grandpa was a great man who touched many people's lives. He was always willing to lend a hand to help out. I have many memories that I will forever cherish that would take up to much space here. I am forever thankful that I got to spend as much time with him as I did. Thank you for everything grandpa! I love you and will always miss you, Jon

John drove the EHC bus Taylor Ridge Apartments in Cottage Grove WI My wife Dorthea and I made many trips to restaurants and many trips to Monona Terrace for entertainment and shows.. After John stop driving the bus we had many trips with John & Helen to go and eat as well to see shows. We kept in touch after they moved and will miss hearing from Him about the family. Wayne & Dorthea Barentine Taylor Ridge Apartments Cottage Grove WI

Dad drove bus for the Capitolaires, with the nickname of 'Giles.' He was loved by all my friends, many adopted him as their Dad. Dad made a dresser and chest fir me based on a picture. Dad mad the hearts if many children happy with the rocker which was at Stan's Monona Bootery until it closed. It now has a special place with me. Dad loved his Green Bay Packers and visiting Lambeau. I remember giung ti my first game with my Dad. I was so proud to be with him

Trusting my children on workcamps at lake edge church to John's driving always made me feel better. The last trip being to Dakota Indian reservation where the building fell down. John instructed my daughter and a couple other kids how to get the building off of him using leverage. Then he went on to helping others out from under the rubble with them. He was such a calm loving special guy.

My grandfather was a brilliant and the most heart-felt man I have ever had the honor of knowing! He always had a story or new joke to tell, after he told all the old jokes... Thanks to him, I will always know why fireman wear RED suspenders!! Haha 😘 I could always look forward to an adventure with him. Everything from taking aluminum cans to the recycling, woodworking in his shop, changing the oil in my car, going out for lunch, to giving blood! The list goes on. When of the greatest memories I have of him is the day I graduated bootcamp and he presented me with a Eagle Globe and Ancher he had made out of wood. The EGA is significant to a Marine as it represents the day we earn the title, United States Marine. He spent over 30 hours putting together this 149 peice puzzle that was made from 7 different types of wood. Thank you grandpa for all the amazing memories! I will never forget all the things you taught me! I love you! See you in Valhalla!