1928
2014
Cletus J. Gillis, age 86, died Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at Rennes Health Rehab Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Green Bay, WI to Albert and Lillian Gillis on February 27 1928. He went to Central Catholic High School and graduated in 1946. Cletus married the love of his life, Evelyn A. (Hakes) Gillis on June 24, 1950. They were married for 64 years. He worked as a Meter Technician for Wisconsin Public Service for 24 years. During this time he also owned and operated "Gillis Sharpening Service" which he continued well into his retirement.
He enjoyed music especially Jazz. He taught the art of playing the accordion, along with all string instruments. Being a professional Musician and considered one of the best piano accordion players of the Midwest. He also owned and operated his own music store in Green Bay, "Fox Music Studios". Another passion was his love of woodworking, which he shared and taught 4-H members. Anyone who knew Cletus has seen some of his talents. All members of his family have been blessed with his wood creations in their homes. Many pieces of his woodworking's can be seen throughout St. Joes Catholic Church. He donated many of his wood creations to the church for their Bazaars and Fish Fry's. Cletus was very involved with his church and an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his loving wife Evie, sons David (Peggy) of Escanaba MI, Steven (Barb) of Ypsilanti MI, Daniel (Jodi) Gillis of Rhinelander, daughters Paulette (Jack) Cooper of Wheat Ridge CO, Denise (Jack) Chariton of Rhinelander, Michelle (Randy) Beard of Rhinelander, He has been blessed with 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, his brothers Norbert and Rev. Ralph Gillis, and a sister Sr. Marian Gillis. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
Cletus is preceded in death by his parents, sister Mildred Steffel, and sister-in-law Mary (Denissen) Gillis.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 14, 2014 at 11:30 A.M. at Nativity of Our Lord ~ St. Mary's site with Father Tom Thakadipuram officiating. Entombment will be at Northland Mausoleum. Visitation will be 10 A.M. until time of service. A memorial has been established in Cletus' name and may be directed to his family. Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home, 715-365-4343 is assisting the family with arrangements. All are invited to light a candle or leave a condolence at hildebrandfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 20, 2014
My sincere condolences in this time of your sorrow. Jean Lardinois {New Franken, Wi}
March 15, 2014
Lynn Rogers
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
March 13, 2014
Marlene Rudolph
Mickie, Randy & girls
Evie & Family
Our deepest sympathy to you all as you mourn the loss of your husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather. It is so hard to lose the ones that are so dear to our hearts. May God give you comfort and strength today and the days ahead.
I have a few of Clete's woodworking projects that I treasure. Megan is honored to have one of the Rocking Horses that are shown in the photo's that her children now can enjoy for years to come. God Bless you all!
March 13, 2014
Karen Stein-Phillips
God Bless the Gillis family at this time of sorrow. So sorry to hear of your loss!
March 13, 2014
Karen Stein-Phillips
God Bless the Gillis family at this time of sorrow. So sorry for your loss.
March 12, 2014
Mickey and Family. Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers.
Judy and Les (Winkler) Lodewyck
March 11, 2014
Mary & Glen Kraetsch
Denise and family we are so very sorry for your loss and hope your memories help you through this difficult time.....
March 11, 2014
Kathy Nofftz
To the entire Gillis family - I am deeply saddened and so sorry to hear of Clete's passing. I have so many wonderful memories that include him and your family. The "Booya" (spelling?) WPS parties were always something to look forward to! Those parties were soooo much fun, for kids and adults!!! I really appreciate the posting of the photo of Clete with his rocking horse creation. I can remember many times buying raffle tickets at the St. Joe's Bazaar to try to win one. Those horses are sooo beautiful!! Mom and Dad have some beautiful pieces of woodwork he made for them and just this past year, mom gave me one of my favorite pieces because it fit with my decor so well. I am so glad I have that! Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Wishing you strength and may you find comfort in your memories.
Sincerely,
March 11, 2014
Jim Reevs
Dave & Peggy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you while dealing with the loss of your loved one. Remember to be thankful for all the good times you shared.
Jim Reevs and family
March 10, 2014
Pete Centner
Evie and family: I'm so sorry to learn of Clete's passing. He was a joy to have around the KC Hall and for all our council activities. He repaired some furniture for me, and we had lively conversations about our tastes in music. He was truly a classy Catholic gentleman.
March 9, 2014
Bruce & Judy Roehl
Wishing the family peace and love...Cletus represented both to so many...he will be missed for a very long time. God's blessings to you all.
March 8, 2014
Kathy Wilson
Evie & family - I am so sorry for your loss ---- Clete was such a wonderful man. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
March 8, 2014
Tracy Paquettte
Clete always had a special place in my heart...a gentle and wonderfully talented man. I have a few pieces of his woodwork that I really love and treasure. I also remember all the WPS parties at the cottage, fun times. Condolences to his family.
March 8, 2014
Judean Nixon
We are all feeling the loss of your loved one and remembering what a special man Clete truly was: Always there to help and guide, from building a project to driving "the kids" to school.
Clete will be missed and always hold a special place in our hearts.
With our deepest sympathy,
Judy, Lona and Heather
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
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