Richard G. Gillis, 79, died Wednesday evening, January 24, 2007 at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints as the result of complications after surgery. He was born in Racine on May 15, 1927, the son of the late George and Marval (nee: Hansche) Gillis. In December of 1968, he married the former Sachiko Otomo in Racine. Dick proudly defended his nation with the US Navy from 1945-48, serving aboard the BB-62 New Jersey. He was a professional semi truck driver for 38 years, retiring from Express Freight Lines almost 20 years ago. Dick belonged to St. Edward Catholic Church, the Navy Club, the Teamsters Local 43 and Friends of Seniors. He enjoyed many activities including traveling with his wife, flower and vegetable gardening, hunting, fishing, bowling, Schafkopf, and coffee klatching with good friends at McDonalds. In his earlier years, Dick was known for being a great 12” underhand fast pitcher. In addition to his loving wife, Sachiko of 38 years, his survivors include his children, Barbara (Bob) Yust, Janet (Rudy) Sanchez, Rick (Maggie) Gillis all of Racine, Pat (Jean) Gillis of Wisconsin Rapids, Laura (Matt) Caretta of Racine, Dan Gillis (Lynn) of Beaver Dam, Rick Powell of Tomah, Laurie Powell of Racine; 20 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; brother and sisters, Gordy (Queenie) Gillis, Betty Ryback both of Racine, Gail (Don) Keller of New Mexico; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Teiko (Kaname) Kitahara, Kazuyoshi (Hitsako) Wakubayashi, Mitsao Wakubayashi and Hitiko (Khan) Suga all of Tokyo, Japan, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. Dick was also preceded in death by his former wife, Thelma; son, Ronald Powell and brother-in-law, Raymond Ryback. Family and friends are invited to meet at St. Edward Catholic Church (15th and Grove Ave) on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. for the celebration of Dick’s life and funeral mass with Rev. Allen Bratkowski officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia. There will be a visitation in the church on Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to either the Veterans Center in Dover or St. Edward Church. The Gillis family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to the physicians and staff at the ICU for the loving care and support they received during Dick’s stay.
Matt Caretta says
Dear MR. Gillis,
It is with great heart ache and sorrow that your passing has come to be.
Since my father died, there have been only two men, including yourself, that I would have considered to be a dad to me.
I hold dear, all the memories that were shared.
For those that knew you, our lives have been molded by your example in life. That part in me, of you, will always be a special place.
Your memory echoes in eternity.
I salute you.