Ronald \"Jerry\" Gillen

Born in Lincoln, IA
Born on Sep 24, 1930
Departed on Jul 16, 2012

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A few of my favorite childhood memories was INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES (I think it was Easter) Breakfast at the Gillen's, hog roasts, and Mike's "pet" raccoon. Jerry was always ready to help a neighbor in need, a true American through and through. Holding you all up in prayer ~ Semper Fi.
Kip & Angela B. Elm

Rae, Mike and Donna,\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\nOur hearts ache for you all. Dad was visiting from MN when we heard the terrible news. We recalled the memorable times we spent on Brookland Drive and how special your family was. Even as a child I was aware of the depth of his character. He was a man of honor and integrity. The many comments from friends and neighbors in the media our a real tribute to the man I remember. His giving way obviously continued throughout his life. I wish I was there to hug you all. Love from all, Mitch & Lori, Dave, John, Ada, C.J. and Ellen Tolliver.

Our prayers and thought are with your family. Fran Stone and family

Dear Gillen family: Andrea INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES (Ard) and I are thinking about all of you as well all your friends at ADM. Jerry will remain with you all in your hearts.

Pat and Bonnie,


You are in our thoughts and Prayers.

Lori and Dan Wallerich

Dear Rae, I am sorry to hear about your tragedy and loss.I will keep you and your family in my prayers Love,Sue Price

Dear Rae,Mike,Donna and family, We are very sorry for your loss. Jerry ,Rae and family were very nice neighbors. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time ,Jim ,Pat

I first met Jerry when we were first moving into the home we had just purchassed in November 1976. Jerry was the first person to come and introduce himself to me and welcome Jim and I to the neighborhood. Any time,anywhere Jerry was there to help. I know that God needed a good helper up in Heaven and that is why hw called Jerry home to Him. Ray, Mike, Donna and famalies always remember to remember the times you had with Jerry, your Husband, Dad and Grandpa. He was a truly GREAT GUY. You are in our prayers. God Bless. Marge and Jim Hutton

To the family of Jerry Gillen: Laurel and I want to express our sorrow for your great loss. I worked several years with Jerry on the PD. He was a great guy and always shared a laugh or two. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Laurel & Bud Byrne

A poem for grandpa...

I know we are all feeling a little bit sad,
That we've lost our Grandpa, our friend and our dad
Together we have cried an ocean of tears
As we feel so empty and hold many fears

But Grandpa would want us to know he's in a good place
And that he watching us all with a smile on his face
As we have made him so proud, as proud as can be
That he has raised such a beautiful and special family

Thinking back now I really must say
I feel lucky and privileged to have known Grandpa to this day
For in my life, you have played a special part
The memories I will treasure and keep close to your heart

For me I am glad my little baby he got to meet
And for all of us, be grateful, his life is now complete
To each one of us he has loved and cared
And a family, be thankful for the good times we shared

Although he has gone we will always be together
And his spirit will live on each one of us forever
When you look to the sky, look for the brightest star
As that will be Grandpa looking down on us from afar

And now I would like to thank the good Lord above
For blessing us with our Grandpa with his kindness and love
Dear God, if it is not too much fuss
Take extra special care of our Grandpa as he is very dear to us

Grandpa if you are listening say a prayer for us every day
Be sure to protect us and guide us on our way
We know when God called you, you had to go
But we want you to know Grandpa we miss you and love you so <3. -unknown

Grandpa we love and miss you so very much! It's very unfortunate how we have been seperated so soon but I know you are happy where you are, in the heavens watching down on each and every person you have ever cared about. There isn't one day that's gone by that I haven't been extremely proud to call you MY grandpa :) love you tons! Until we meet again..

I first met Jerry when we were first starting to move into our new purchassed house on Western Pine in November 1976. Jerry was the first person to welcome me to the neighborhood; any time any where Jerry was there to help. I know that God knew just who to to call on for help in Heaven and that is why he chose to bring Jerry home to Him. Ray, Mike, Donna and Families, we have you

Rae INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES (Duck) Mike, Donna and family,
We are so saddened by the passing of Jerry. There are so many memories of the neighborhood and way too many to list! I think probably one of the favorites and one everyone looked forward to was Jerry and Dick roasting meat on their cooker. Everyone enjoyed getting samples! He will be truly missed. God bless him and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Mike, Michelle, Seth and Stephanie Kjormoe

Dear Gillen family, words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I have known you for more than 36 years and have loved every minute of it. We have lived through raccoons, adolescents , driving, boyfriends and death. INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES ( let's not forget the dog named Cindy) you have helped shape my life! Jerry, you were tough but a little girl could melt your heart. God speed my friend . Duck, I love you, thank you for the Mac and cheese and peanut butter toast, but most of all, thank you for letting me be part of your family. Cindy Roth johnson

there are so many wonderful things to remember about Jerry, he helped us rewire our home when we were young and broke, we stayed with them until the job was completed since we had a little baby.INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES (Brad) the funniest thing i remember about him is that when he ate shrimp, he ate tail and all. we comment about that to this day everytime we eat shrimp! remember how Jerry Gillen eats it???he was a great friend.

Dear Rae, Mike, Donna, and family,

We are all saddened to hear that Jerry has passed away. I remember the way Jerry always helped out his neighbors, and feel fortunate to have known him. I enjoyed growing up with Mike and Donna in our wonderful - safe neighborhood! This is a very difficate time for you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely, Kelly INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES (Pfeifle) Eells

sorry to hear about Jerry he will be greatly missed my thoughts are with you