John Edward Gillingham

John E. “Hans” Gillingham, 88, of Caseville, died Thursday, January 29, 2015 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw.

John was born June 21, 1926 in Detroit to the late John J. and Eunice (Boergert) Gillingham. He grew up and attended school in Bay Port before joining the US Navy during World War II, serving in the Pacific theater. He married Luella Heinitz on February 14, 1981 at the Caseville United Methodist Church; she preceded him in death on June 21, 2011.

John worked in his family’s commercial fishing business and later retired as a carpenter with Carpenter’s Local 706. He was a member of the Caseville Eagles Club, the American Legion in Caro, Bay Port (charter), and Caseville, the Sebewaing VFW, and the Caseville and Bay Port Historical Societies. He enjoyed traveling, square dancing, and “tinkering” in his shop.

He is survived by his children Laurie of North Carolina, Ned of Bay Port and Eric (Tami) of Chelsea; step-children Kathryn Voss of Lapeer, Nancy (Don) Heck of Pigeon, Tom (Brenda) Voss of Kilmanagh, Tim (Linda) Voss of New York City, Shelly (Paul) Fisher of Lapeer, and Robert (Lori) Voss of Romeo; grandchildren Chad, Brent, Shaun, Anne, Tony, Abby and Emma; great-grandchildren Adam, Mackenzie and Natalie; sister Janet McCrimmon and brother Dick (Elaine) both of Caseville.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Tuesday, February 3rd at the Bay Port United Methodist Church with Rev. Brian Johnson officiating. Interment will be in New Bay Port Cemetery in the spring.

Visitation will be 3-8 pm Monday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel of Caseville and one hour prior to the service in church on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to the Bay Port UMC.