Robert Gillespie Jr.

Gillespie, Robert Jr. MONONA Robert Gillespie Jr., age 80, slipped into the arms of God on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007, as a result of complications of Alzheimers. Bob was born on Aug. 11, 1927, in Wisconsin Rapids. As a young man, he joined the Navy, where he traveled extensively. In the early 1950s, Bob was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army. It was there that he met Christine Erika Lull, a beautiful young woman. On March 21, 1953, Bob married that wonderful lady. They had three children, Patrick Robert of Cocoran, Minn., Gordon Thomas of Chicago, Ill. and Kathleen Mary of Crestwood, Ill. Bob was a successful businessman for many years. One of the great joys of Bobs professional life was his association with two special people: Shawn Doyle and Kelly Hall. Bobs family would like to thank Shawn and Kelly for the care and friendship they have shown him over the years. Bobs life was brighter for having known both of them. Our family would also like to sincerely thank the staff and nurses at Stoughton Hospital and at Skaalen Home. The patience, professionalism and kindness they offered were amazing and will always be remembered. In addition to his wife and children, Bob is survived by his grandchildren, Michael Patrick Gillespie and Erika Kathleen Gillespie; a sister, Marguerite "Rita" Anderson of Madison; and brothers, Patrick James Gillespie of Tucson, Ariz. and Michael Hentz of Wisconsin Rapids. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, at 2 p.m. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park with military rites conducted. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday from noon until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association or the American Cancer Society.