John D. Gillis, Sr.

• May 15, 1940 - June 4, 2009
• South Bend, Indiana

John D. Gillis, Sr., 69, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 10:35 a.m. Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Healthwin Specialized Care Facility.

He was born on May 15, 1940 at home to the late John L. and Florence E. (Wilkeson) Gillis in South Bend, IN, and was a lifelong resident. Along with his parents; his brother Jay Gillis also preceded him in death.

John graduated from Central High School in 1958.

Mr. Gillis was born and raised on a farm and continued farming after he was married. He operated the Waggoner Dairy Farm with his father. They farmed 400 acres, in addition to Dairy Cattle, growing corn, beans, wheat, and hay. Following his father's retirement, John took over the operations and added Beef Cattle as well. He retired in 2005.

On March 26, 1966, he married Penelope "Penny" Roorda at the Northwest United Methodist Church in South Bend, IN.

He is survived by his wife, Penny M. Gillis of South Bend, IN; daughter, Janet (David) Radzikowski of South Bend, IN; sons, John D. (Lori) Gillis, Jr. of Niles, MI; James D. (Cornelia) Gillis of Georgia; Jeffrey D. Gillis of South Bend, IN; eight grandchildren, Daniel (Stephanie) Brooks; David (Michelle) Brooks; Romina Gillis; James Gillis; John D. Gillis; Justin Gillis; Grant Radzikowski; Garrett Radzikowski; one great-granddaughter, Lilly Brooks; and several nieces & nephews..

Mr. Gillis was a member of Northwest United Methodist Church in South Bend; and a member of A.M.P.I., which does dairy testing. He was a 10 year member of 4-H and a former 4-H leader for German Township for many years until 1989. John was also a member of Country Heritage Credit Union in Buchanan, MI, where he served on the board of directors for 15 years and held the office of Treasurer for 12 years. He was a volunteer fireman for the German Township Fire Department for many years.

John loved farming and was always trying to improve his cattle and crops. He loved children and enjoyed having them over to the farm to help, so they could experience what farm life was all about. He gave tours of the farm to many school children over the years. John was involved in Reproductive Research with cattle, where he collected semen from a bull he raised, and over time was able to prove the bull which was then purchased by American Breeding Service for their bull stud. He also harvested eggs from cows that were sold for breeding purposes and won many awards for his cattle.

Visitation will be from 2-6 PM Sunday, June 7, 2009 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, June 8, 2009 at the funeral home, with Rev. Vickie Van Nevel officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: American Diabetes Association, Chicago IL Office, 30 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2015, Chicago, IL 60602.

To send condolences, please visit, www.kaniewski.com.

01/20/2023 EJS