Beverly Gillis, age 85 of Roberts WI, died on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at the American Heritage Care Center in Hammond. Bev was born January 20, 1929 in Emerald, WI to parents John and Margaret (Young) Delage. Bev was a graduate of Glenwood City High School. On September 30, 1950, she would be united in marriage to William “Bill” Gillis. Their union in marriage would be blessed with six sons.
Bev was a farm wife and homemaker, and was a 38 yr. member of the Hammond Central Homemakers. Her family remembers Bev always baking, always having fresh pies and bread available for her kids and grandkids, her friends and neighbors, and for church events. Bev was active in St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where she would help in the kitchen, and sing for weddings and funerals. Bev was a dedicated member of the American Heritage Care Center Auxillary. She was relentless when it came to getting local businesses to donate for fundraisers. She always purchased raffle tickets and put her grandchildren’s names on them and as a result, some of these grandchildren won prizes. Through her efforts, the Auxillary was able to purchase many items for the common areas for the residents. Bev was fully dedicated to her community, church, and family and if something was needed you could count on her to come through for whatever was needed.
Many will remember Bev as a Green Bay Packers fan, but for those who knew her best, they will truly remember her as one of St. Croix Central Central’s most dedicated sports fans. Bev could be found year-after-year rooting on the Panthers, especially when it came to her sons and her grandsons, and the sport of wrestling. Bev was recognized for her years of dedication and devotion to the SCC Wrestling Program when she was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2010. Bev also attended the Wisconsin State Wrestling Tournament for over 20 years. If, by chance, you ever get to the state tournament, and enjoy a milk… just know that a little lady from Roberts was very disappointed one year to discover she couldn’t order a milk, because it wasn’t offered at the concession stands. Bev was that advocate who called the organizers onto the mat and championed that effort. That’s the lady who was known and loved by so many, and will be deeply missed.
Bev is survived by her husband, Bill Gillis; sons, Greg (Debbie) of Hammond, Pat of Roberts, John (Shellie Schewe) of Waunakee, Robert (Ronda Bierbrauer) of New Richmond, Jim (Kelly) of Hammond, and Tom (Cecily) of River Falls; grandchildren, Daniel, “J.C.” (Deanna), Christy (Brannon) Weigel, Charlie (Becky), Cindy (Nate) Heinz, Shawn (Kasi), Jessi (Jason) Kelly, Bailey, Nick, Jen (Matt) Clancy, Tracy (Eric) Fosmo, and Zack; great-grandchildren, Lauren, Jacob, Ian, Brooklyn, Lane, Logan, Addison, Taylor, Tanner, and Dalton; sisters, Florence Kahler, Eva Kahler, Delores (Loren) Standaert, Marie Mahoney, and Marilyn (John) Wesley; sisters-in-law, Ila Gillis and Sandy Gillis; brother-in-law, Don (Connie) Gillis; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Bev was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jack Delage; brothers-in-law, Jim Gillis, Vince Kahler, Walter Kahler, and Ray Mahoney; and sister-in-law, Ann Gillis.
Mass of Christian Burial for Bev Gillis will be held at 11:00am on Monday, February 17, 2014 at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1265 Ridgeway in Hammond, with Rev. Fr. Jerry Harris officiating. Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery, with her grandsons serving as active casketbearers, and St. Croix Central wrestlers, past and present, serving as honorary casketbearers. Visitation will take place one hour prior to Mass at the church, and also from 4:00-8:00pm on Sunday at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton Street in Baldwin. Memorials are preferred to the St. Croix Central Wrestling Program, or the American Heritage Care Center Auxiliary. Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, WI. 715-684-3434