Daniel L. Gillett

Somers- Daniel L. Gillett, 65, passed away at his home, surrounded with the love of his family, on Wednesday, December 3, 2008, following a valiant battle with Appendiceal Carcinoma.

Dan was born in Canada on July 31, 1943, to the late Rex and Annabelle (nee: Burd) Gillett, Sr. He immigrated to Wisconsin in 1969. On July 16, 1980, he was united in marriage with Judy E. Pelkey.

With a profound and tireless work ethic, Dan has owned and operated Gillett Services Inc., a Racine based power sweeping, lawn care and property management company, since 1972. He was a lifetime servant of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was passionate in the ministry of sharing the Kingdom news.

Among his interests, Dan had a special interest in older automobiles and owned an extensive die-cast car collection. He also liked to fly airplanes and sail; and had a great appreciation for music and nature. Above all, Dan will be remembered for his fun-loving personality, his infectious smile and constant determination to constantly love and cherish all his family and friends.

Surviving are his loving wife, Judy; children, Karen (Keith) Ostrom, Dan (Sammi) Gillett, Brett (Debbie) Madore and Troy (Shawn) Madore; grandchildren, Jarrett and Jaden Gillett, Marshall Ostrom, Ashley Wyman and Amanda Madore; great-grandson, Abel Ostrom; brother, Rex (Margaret) Gillett, Jr.; sisters, Sharon Okane and Helen (Manuel) DePiedra; sisters-in-law, Judy Gillett, Edna (Eugene) Theriault, Linda (Roger) Hawkins and Mary (Jerry) Moore; brothers-in-law, Fred Pelkey, Richard Pelkey and Michael (Jenny) Pelkey; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name, especially his brothers and sisters of the Kingdom Hall.

In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his grandson, Justin Madore, and brother, Rod Gillett.

In accordance with Dan’s wishes, cremation will take place. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2008, at 4 p.m. in Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1600 N. Summerset Drive. A gathering, to continue celebrating Dan’s life, will immediately follow at Roma Lodge. There will be time to visit with the family at the Kingdom Hall on Saturday from 3-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Watchtower have been suggested.

A special note of thanks to Hospice Alliance for the compassionate end-of-life care and our sincere gratitude to Dr. Michael P. Mullane -- for not only doing everything in his power to save Dan’s life , but for his sincere friendship.

Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory
4600 County Line Rd., Racine (262) 552-9000