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Gale Gillingham
Gale Gillingham
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Gale Gillingham Obituary
Wade Gillingham said the former Pro Bowler appeared to have had a heart attack Thursday at his home in Little Falls, but his family doesn't have confirmation on a cause of death.
Gillingham, inducted in the Packers Hall of Fame in 1982, was Green Bay's first-round draft choice and 13th overall in 1966 from the University of Minnesota. He played off the bench as a rookie and took veteran Fuzzy Thurston's spot during the 1967 season opposite All-Pro Jerry Kramer during the Vince Lombardi era.
He blocked for Bart Starr when the quarterback was leading the Packers to the first two Super Bowl victories in 1967 and 1968 and after leaving the team in 1974, returned to play for Starr when he was coach in 1976. Gillingham was a five-time Pro Bowler, six-time All Pro and played in 128 regular- season games for the Packers.
Wade Gillingham, 40, said his father retired last fall after operating Goedker Realty in Minnesota following his professional football career.
"He was a great Dad, a humble man and simple," his son said.
Gillingham, born in Madison, moved to Little Falls, Minn., with his family when he was in high school. He was divorced with three sons and a daughter and traveled the world watching two of his sons compete in strongman and power-lifting contests.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
39 Entries
Go Pack Go!
Chris Gillingham
December 2, 2012
I never got the opportunity to meet Gale but heard he was a great man and father. My father (William Gillingham) told me that Gale was a distant cousin of mine. Thats pretty cool. I plan to have a shrine in my man cave just for Gale! RIP cuz!
March 29, 2012
Over the years I`ve played against the best guards in the league and it all started with Gale ....RIP big man and Ill see you in the big stadium in the sky
Gregg Bingham
Houston
73-85
Cindy
December 4, 2011
Karl, Brad, Wade, Kim & family -
Saddened to read about Gale's passing. I'll never forget watching your dad play football or seeing him around town. My deepest sympathy.
October 25, 2011
To the family of Gale Gillingham, "Cherish the Memories", Del Haag, Buffalo,Mn.
How you can show support
stacy nelson
October 24, 2011
Brad, Wade, Karl and Kim
Last night, we returned from a week long family vacation only to find a text from Hub explaining your unfortunate loss. Gale was a great man! As one of you stated, "Gale was a humble and simple man." I couldn't agree more. I would also like to add that Gale was a honest and kind man. A father whom instilled these qualities to their boys. I feel fortunate to have known Gale and his sons.
I have so many fond memories with the Gillinghams. Whether it be the cool fall nights in the Gillingham Gazebo, hunting birds with "King of the Chips and Beer", or the simple nights at the Red Bull elaborating on past outings, all great memories which include "the man in the huge green sweatshirt."
Thanks for memories! Sorry I couldn't swing the trip. I really wanted to be there.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Stacy, Kathy, Kaitlin and Kaylee
October 24, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear of Gale's death. I was
a neighbor to the Gillingham family when Gale
was in high school in Little Falls. My dad,
Clinton "Bud" Garlock and your grandpa sold
real estate for United Farm. My mom and your
grandma were friends for many years. I was
friends and graduated with your uncle Gary.
I'm sorry for your loss. Julene (Garlock)
Bleichner
October 24, 2011
To the family of Gale Gillingham, my condolences for the loss of your beloved one. May the God of all comfort strengthen you at this difficult time. Erma L. Davis, Park Forest, IL.
October 24, 2011
Please accept my condolence. When we lose someone to death our heart is crushed and broken. Turn to God the Hearer of Prayer to sustain and comfort us.
Psalms 51:17
Robin
October 23, 2011
As a 12 year old in Western Nebraska I stumbled upon a copy of Jerry Kramer's "Instant Replay" in my local, small town general store around 1970. I read that book over and over, and I still have it today. The season chronicled in the book is the season Gale Gillingham became a starter for the Packers, taking the place of Jerry Kramer's friend Fuzzy Thurston. A certain tension comes through about the new guy, but he is accepted because of his skill and dedication to his craft. I'm glad to read the other comments that speak of his humility and dedication to his children.
Billy Lemoine
October 23, 2011
It must be nice to be someone who brings joy to peoples' lives. Your dad was one of those people. Thanks!!
Michael Hubbard
October 23, 2011
We are so sad to learn about Gale's passing. He was a great, humble man and we were honored and priviliged to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Gillingham's.
God Bless
Mike & Susan Hubbard
Mike Weber
October 22, 2011
From your quote in the paper saying your dad was a humble simple man Wade, Karl and Brad that is exactly how I remember you guys. I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Mike Weber
Matthew Carlson
October 22, 2011
RIB Mr. Gillngham
Pete Ulicny
October 22, 2011
Mr. Gillingham was an outstanding blocker for the Pack. May he rest in peace. God bless his friends and family.
Pat Fuller
October 22, 2011
Lombardi always said, "Run to daylight"
and it was guys like Gale Gillingham who
made it happen on the Packer team.
jeff c
October 22, 2011
R.I.P. Best wishes and condolences.
Jim Malin
October 22, 2011
So sorry to hear of Mr Gillinghams death. He was a role model for as I was an interior lineman in HS
FF
October 22, 2011
May the love of close friends carry you through your grief.
(Proverbs 18:24) . . .there exists a friend sticking closer than a brother.
A O
October 22, 2011
To The Gillingham Family
With deep sympathy and a heavy heart ,I write these words for your family. I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace in all the pleasant memories that you have, and may they comfort you, and bring you strength, in your time of grief. May you also find comfort with the thoughts @Isaiah 49:13, which says,
“Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones
With Deepest Sympathy
alma reginal
October 22, 2011
To the family and friends of mose warfield, I'am truly sorrow for the loss of your loved one.I know that there was much love for him from you all.He is gone,but will never be forgotten.Your memories are your memories and no one can take them away.
Susan Hutchison
October 22, 2011
God be with You and Your Family at this Tyme.
Debe M
October 22, 2011
A great Packer, rest in peace and God Bless You!
michael Grow
October 22, 2011
May He Rest in Peace, my Prayers are with His Family and Friends. He was great to watch on the field. Respectfully, Mike Grow
Patricia
October 22, 2011
My condolences to the family of Gale Gillingham. May the God who gives hope fill you with all joy and peace by your believing, that yoy may abound in hope with power of holy spirit. Romans 15:14
steve
October 21, 2011
Here's one to the best O-line in football, Cheers, Gale!
Bart Furey
October 21, 2011
As a guard in high school football Gale and Jerry Kraemer were my high school heroes. May he rest in peace and his family be consoled. Both are in my prayers.
Brian Dolan
October 21, 2011
A Packer and a proponent of powerlifting. Your sons carry your warrior spirit with them whenever they step on the platform. Be proud of them as they are of you. You have set a solid foundation and from there they will continue to perform as the champions they are.
Wade and Amy Gillingham
October 21, 2011
We miss you so much already...We love you tons Dad!
Love,
Wade, Amy and girls
Karen Caldwell
October 21, 2011
To the family of Gale Gillingham,
It is with deep regret on the passing of Gale Gillingham I realize that the death of a friend and family member is an irreparable loss to you. Those we love left us with gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away. They gave us wisdom that we can still recall, companionship when we were alone, comfort when we needed it.
May the tender mercy that God has always shown me be with your family now so that you will know that you are not alone, and may the prayers of other help in some small way to bring you strength, comfort and courage each day.
Many words will be expressed, yet we know God can express and provide to you and your family everything that is needed to care and sustain your hearts. Isaiah 46:1 will offer you some comfort , but the loss of a love one is more direct and personal. So wanted to send you these words of sincere sympathy upon the death of a loyal friend and trusted family member. My prayers will be with you and your family.
Lisa Angell
October 21, 2011
I remember your family from Platten St in Green Bay in the '70's. Your dad was the first Packer player I had ever met after moving to GB. He was always a humble, and sweet guy. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Pete
October 21, 2011
Having a beer wth GIlly at tthe bull on a friday afternoon is something I Will surely miss.
autumn
October 21, 2011
Please know that God's original purpose did not include sickness, old age or death. He has already taken steps to reverse all of our suffering and restore life back to those sleeping in death. I hope this proves to be a source of comfort to you.
Melissa
October 21, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
October 21, 2011
May the God of all comfort give you peace during this time of sorrow.
RM Sullivan
October 21, 2011
May the good memories of your dad keep him close to you as you go through these dark days.
Kathy Penelli
October 21, 2011
Please accept my deepest condolences
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