Wilbert Joseph Gellings
Wilbert Joseph Gellings, at age 95, passed away with his family by his side on May 25, 2024.
He was born in Havre, Montana, on November 1, 1928. His parents brought their family back to Wisconsin when he was just one year old. He was the youngest of six sons. His older brothers rode together in box cars with the horses they had captured and broke to sell in Wisconsin.
Willie and his future bride, Helen, grew up within a mile of each other. He married Helen O’Brien on December 27, 1947, at St. Mary’s Church in Eden, and together had five children. He farmed with his father until purchasing his own farm in 1959 in Armstrong, Wisconsin, which is now the location of Shepherd of the Hills Parish.
He loved playing baseball, singing with friends, bowling and golfing. As a young couple, he and Helen played cards with friends. With limited finances, it was a tradition for each couple to contribute either a case of beer, pickles, or chocolate cake. Willie had many friends in Winter Haven, Florida, where he spent winters for at least 20 years. He enjoyed his Monday afternoon card group at his home for 20+ years.
He is survived by five children, Margie (Wally) Seibel, John (Kathy) Gellings, Gary (Nan) Gellings, Dan (Chris) Gellings and Tim (Kim) Gellings; and special friend, Bea Mooney. He is further survived by 18 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Also survived by his sister-in-law, Marilyn (Pat) O’Brien.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen of 61 years; daughter-in-law, Janet Gellings; grandson, Ryan Gellings; parents, siblings, in-laws and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Fr. Mike Shea (Sarneli House Orphanage) are appreciated at Friends of Sarneli House, Box 88234, Milwaukee, WI 53288-0234.
The family extends a special thank you to the staff at St. Agnes Hospital and SSM Health Hospice Home of Hope for their care and compassion.
He lived true to himself up to the very end. When he wanted to go somewhere, he got there fast.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 30, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Twohig Funeral Home, 305 Fond du Lac Ave., Fond du Lac, and again on Friday, May 31, from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 1562 County Road B, Eden.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Catholic Church, W1562 County Road B, Eden. Rev. Mark Jones will officiate and burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Eden.
Twohig Funeral Home has been entrusted with Willie’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.twohigfunerals.com.
