Chesterton Tribune

 

 

John Gillespie passes away at age 82

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John Albert Gillespie "Jack" "J.J.", age 82 of Chesterton, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 9, 2016, in his home. He was born on December 3, 1933, in Cambridge Ohio, to Frank and Ruth Marie Gillespie. John grew up in Elizabeth PA, moving to the Chesterton area in 1961.

John honorably served his country in the United States Marines during the Korean War. During his service in the Marines he earned the rank of Sergeant and the Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge. John was a member of the American Legion Post 170 and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1623. He retired from Midwest Steel, Portage, with 34 years of service. John enjoyed riding his Full Dress Harley Davison and his Trike, watching classic western movies, especially John Wayne movies, gardening, collecting model cars, and bowling. He was an avid NASCAR and Colts fan. John had a witty sense of humor.

On October 20, 1984, in Chesterton, IN, he married Barbara L. (Choisser) Gillespie, who preceded him in death on October 24, 2013.

Also preceding him in death were his parents; his son, John "Ken" Gillespie; his sister, Dorothy Gillespie; two brothers, Robert and William Gillespie; and his nephew, Richard Gillespie.

He is survived by his children, Sharon (Mike) Wozniak of Chesterton, Kristin (David) Cady of Michigan City, and Annette (Shad) Gillespie Steiger of Bethel, Connecticut; daughter-in-law, Theresa Gillespie of Chesterton; three step-children, Kimberly Reed of Portage, Randal Reed of Chesterton, and David Reed of Altamont, IL; sister-in-law, Julia Gillespie; nephew, David Gillespie, and niece, Linda Cioch; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; many grandnieces and grandnephews; and beloved dog, Shaq.

There will be no service held. Cremation will take place. Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, LaPorte, is caring for the arrangements. Inurnment will take place in Swan Lake Cemetery, Michigan City.

Please send condolences to the family at www.LakeviewFHC.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in honor or memory of John may be directed to Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) Hospice at vnaportercounty.org. The family would like to express a special thank you to the VNA Hospice Nurses and John's caregivers, Tammy, Pam, and Carol, whose love and support made all the difference during our father's final days with us.

Posted 8/12/2016

 

 
 
 
 

 

 

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