David Lee Gillman

David Lee Gillman
October 22, 1935-July 22, 2024
David passed after a short illness at Honor Health in Deer Valley, Arizona at the age of 88. He was born in Wheaton, Missouri and retired at the Sagewood Community in Scottsdale, Arizona.
David was a strong leader, held many positions in his life; president of his high school class at Marshfield, MO., president of his fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma at SW Missouri State, as well as numerous other posts in sports, activities, and history. David enjoyed tennis, hiking, reading, and his intense study of Winston Churchill, which led to several speeches. David was a committed family man and made it possible for his family to have a good education in both high school and college. He could often be seen at a myriad of sporting events in support of his three children. David's success in his career was due to his great work ethic and his meticulous planning. He had a very analytical mind and could break down most problems effectively. But it was his mental fortitude that made him great, as he pursued his goals with great vigor.
In high school David participated in baseball and basketball. He then attended Southwest Missouri State and graduated in 1957. He hustled to secure a position with the Pillsbury Company in 1958, only days before his wedding on June 28th! He married Donna Appleberry and lived happily for 66 years! He spent some time in the military as an army sergeant where he earned commendations. His career with Pillsbury spanned 34 years, in which he eventually became the Director of Consumer Sales Operations. Upon retirement he was inducted into the Pillsbury Company's Hall of Fame.
In 1969, his family settled in Edina, MN and his children attended Breck School, where Donna worked. David coached junior football, participated in the Indian Guides, played tennis, read, and played bridge. He rarely turned down a request to throw a baseball or play tennis with his children.
Upon retirement in 1992, David lived in Rio Verde, Copperwynd, and Sagewood Communities in Arizona. At that time, David was highly involved in tennis and the traveling teams that he competed on. He also developed a passion for hiking. He helped assist with the activities club and the rotary. David and Donna attended Colonial and St. Stephens Church's in Edina, MN. and St. Barnabas in Paradise Valley, Arizona.
David is preceded in death by parents, Lester and Crystal Gillman, his sister Annabelle, and her husband Oran A Massey.
David is survived by his wife Donna, his children, Mark & Jodi (Pfaff) Gillman, Tom & Theresa Gillman, Amy & Fred Broihahn. Mark's children Joshua & Krysti Gillman and Kirsten & Richard Halliwell, Marit & Jostein Andersen, Anelise & Joe Turchiano. Tom's children Lindsay & Seth Thompson and Katherine & Will Hoard. Amy's children Jenna, Jake, and Joe.
He is also survived by eleven great grandchildren.
Donations can be sent to St. Mary's Food Bank
https://www.stmarysfoodbank.org/