Larry G. Gillette, Tipton
February 4, 1940 - March 3, 2022
Larry Gillette, 82, passed away on March 3rd at Beloit Medical Center with his beloved wife Tudy by his side. He showed his courage in facing recent health issues with a smile and never giving up. He stayed strong until the end.
Larry was born on February 4th, 1940, in Marietta, Kansas. He grew up and attended school in Marysville, Kansas graduating with the class of 1958. Larry began his career in Belleville, Kansas as an auto body technician for Melton Motors. He made his home there for 25 years.
Larry’s first marriage blessed him with his three children Todd, Kristi, and Daryl whom he loved dearly. On October 24th, 1990, Larry was united in marriage to Elizabeth Koenigsman whom he met at one of his favorite past times, a dance. To this marriage he became stepdad to five children, Greg, Joe, John, Laura, and Janie. After his move to Tipton, he began working for Kent Manufacturing and then later joined a close friend and brother-in-law, Ken Hake. It was here that he found his passion for restoring military jeeps and planes.
Larry was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, Tipton Lions Club, and the American Legion. He enjoyed riding with his motorcycle club, the Romeos, and crafting his many WWII model airplanes. He had a great talent and love for restoring jeeps and military planes. Larry also enjoyed spending evenings with family and friends on the porch with his glass of merlot.
Larry leaves to mourn his passing his beloved wife Elizabeth (Tudy); his three children Kristi and husband Damon Shulda, Todd and wife CeCe Gillette, Daryl Gillette and significant other Tina Lee; his five stepchildren, Greg and wife Rhonda Koenigsman, Joe and wife Tami Koenigsman, John and wife Lori Koenigsman, Laura and husband Brandon Labertew, Janie and husband Kirk Klein; his sister Roberta and husband Ralph Baumer and sister Janice Koll; and his 21 grandchildren he loved so much: Andrew, Emma, Ashley, Eddie, Eric, Emily, Megan, Aubrey, Brooke, Paige, Bristol, Bailey, Drew, Brycen, Lauren, Katie, Alex, Brianna, Brenden, Hailey, Hannah.
He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather Bertrude and Dale Pressnall, his father and stepmother James and Bernetha Gillette, his brother Orville Gillette and brothers-in-law, Jerry Dalsing and Larry Koll.
A visitation beginning at 5:00 with a prayer service following will be held Sunday, March 6th. at St. Boniface Catholic Church. A mass in celebration of the memory of Larry will be held Monday, March 7th at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow at St. Boniface cemetery with Monsignor James Hake and Father Daryl Olmstead presiding.
The family suggests memorials in lieu of flowers made to St. Boniface Memorial Trust Fund or Tipton High School Endowment Fund.
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