GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame guard Gale Gillingham died at his home in Minnesota while lifting weights, his son said Friday. He was 67.
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
Go Pack Go!
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!
Chris Gillingham
December 02, 2012 | Mosinee, WI
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
March 29, 2012
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.
Cindy
December 04, 2011 | ND
To the family of Gale Gillingham, "Cherish the Memories", Del Haag, Buffalo,Mn.
October 25, 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. ...
stacy nelson
October 24, 2011 | Arden Hills, MN
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 24, 2011
Remembered By
family emery-nelsons
October 24, 2011 | Ottumwa, IA
