William Gillesse

William Gillesse passed away peacefully on September 5, 2021 and danced into the arms of his awaiting savior Jesus Christ. Bill was born in 1926 to Paul and Cornelia Gillesse who were recent immigrants from the Netherlands. He graduated from South High School in Grand Rapids and then served in World War II as a sergeant in the U.S. Army in the Philippines and later to Japan after the surrender.

In 1949 he married the love of his life, Shirlee Ann (DeMan) who survives him. They raised 3 children, Lynne and Mike Brumley, Jeff and Tori Gillesse, and Cathryn Sims. Bill was wise, hardworking, generous and strong but very gentle and was dearly loved by all who knew him. He and mom were prayer warriors who had a profound faith in the Lord. His career included time as a lineman for Consumers Energy, over 30 years as a concrete contractor and later as a facilities
manager. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Reformed Church and served as an elder and Sunday School superintendent, served on several missions, and participated in the construction of the East Beltline facility in the 1980s. He was the best dad anyone could hope to have!

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Marinus (Barbara) Gillesse, John (Jacqueline) Gillesse, Adrian (Marge) Gillesse, Paul (Harriet) Gillesse, and Marie (Albert) Hart. Bill also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, Sarah (Matthew) Lameris, Kristine (Luke) Nicholas, Kim (Mason) Sherill, Lauren (Nick) Thompson, Nicole (Luke) Malski, Leslie (Andy) Van Dusen, Tom (Samantha) Gillesse, Kate Van Wingen, Phil (Shaina) Sims, Ethan Sims, and Micah Sims, 3 step-grandchildren, Randi (Lauren) McIntyre, Alan Block, and Nolan Block, and 20 great grandchildren.

The family would like to especially thank Paul and Rita, his exceptional caretakers from Faith Hospice. “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). We will deeply miss you Dad!

Visitation will be on Tuesday 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Ofield Funeral Home, and services Wednesday September 15 at Immanuel Reformed Church, 1300 E. Beltline SE at 2:00 PM with visitation at 1:00 PM. Refreshments will be provided after the service. A Livestream feed will be provided for offsite participation at www.livestream.com/ In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Faith in Deeds, the School of Missionary Aviation Technology, or the charity of one’s choice.