Delmar Gillespie

Gillespie, Delmar Leroy

6/15/23-6/24/13

Delmar Leroy Gillespie, 90, passed away peacefully at House of the Dove Monday, June 24th. Delmar's hometown was Savanna, IL. He has resided in Marshfield, WI for the last seven years. Born in Jo Davis County, IL to Amy and Edwin Gillespie on June 15, 1923, Delmar attended Zion Country School in grades 1-8, graduating from Mt. Carroll High School. He attended the University of Iowa before entering military service. He married Jeanette Johnson of Mt. Carroll, IL in June, 1944. Delmar proudly served in World War II piloting P-51 Mustangs in the 5th fighter squadron, 52nd Fighter Group, 15th Army Air Corps while stationed in Italy. He flew 25 air combat missions in the Balkans and Germany. Delmar was employed by Interstate Power Company for forty years, retiring as the Illinois District Operating Superintendent.

Auto mechanics, gardening, camping, travel, clocks/watches, fixing everything electrical, and photography, all brought joy to Delmar. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Savanna, IL and served as Deacon, Elder, and taught Sunday school for fourteen years. Delmar was a member of AMVETS and the Lion's Club. He served as the Tri-County Airport Chairman. In later years he regaled family and friends with detailed excerpts and stories of his war experiences.

Delmar is preceded in death by his parents, older brother, Wayne, and Jeanette his loving wife of fifty-nine years. He is survived by his three children, Judy (Larry) Daggert of Tucson, AZ; Terry (Barbara) Gillespie of Marshfield, WI; and Diana (Larry) Olson of Bristow, VA; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth, Scott, Jennifer, Aimee, Bryan, Kevin and Craig; and ten great-grandchildren, Logan, Katie, Connor, Lily, Andrew, Annika, Kaylee, Olivia, Evalynn, and Ethan.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks and gratitude for the loving care Delmar received through Marshfield Clinic's Dr. Larry Clouse, Oncologist; St. Joseph's Hospital Palliative Care, and The House of the Dove, hospice care.

Family and friends may express their condolences by donating memorials to the First Presbyterian Church, Savanna, Illinois.

The Wisconsin Crematory Society is providing final arrangements. Graveside services will be held July 31st at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carroll, IL. A reception will be provided by the First Presbyterian Church, Savanna, IL following internment.