LENA - TJ Gilley, 73, of Lena, IL passed away on May 15, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on August 10, 1941 to Harold and Vivian (Bettiga) Gilley in Rhinelander, WI. He married Trudi Busch on June 12, 1965 and together they raised three children. TJ attended UW Stevens Point, played tennis and football; where he set a 99 yard record for a touchdown run, and got his masters from Northern Illinois University. TJ was an English teacher for Rhinelander High School and Dakota High School. He was a guidance counselor for Lena-Winslow High School, and Stephenson Area Career Center. TJ owned and operated Gilley's Restaurant in Lena for 14 years. He was a football coach at Rhinelander, Dakota, and Lena-Winslow High Schools, a ski coach at Rhinelander High School and he was a devout Green Bay Packers fan. He was an announcer for Le-Win football on the LWTV channel. He enjoyed playing golf, spending time with his family and friends, going boating, camping, snowmobiling, and fishing. He was a great friend for the Lena community. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lena, IL and the Lena Lions Club.
TJ is survived by his son Todd (Jackie Bass) Gilley of New Ulm MN; two daughters Tara Gilley of Louisville CO, Tanya (Michael) Williams of Lena, IL; grandchildren Mitchell, Alyssa, and Paige; one brother Richard (Marjorie Jean) Gilley; one sister Donna (Dr. Walter) Gager; special friend Jan Kniss; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday May 30, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena, IL.
A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday May 29, 2015 at Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.
Fr. Andrew Skrobutt will officiate the service.
Cremation rights were accorded.
Burial will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Lena, IL.
A memorial has been established in his name.
A celebration of life will be held from 12:30-4:00 PM at Rafters.
Friends may send condolences to the family at www.leamonfh.com.
TJ is survived by his son Todd (Jackie Bass) Gilley of New Ulm MN; two daughters Tara Gilley of Louisville CO, Tanya (Michael) Williams of Lena, IL; grandchildren Mitchell, Alyssa, and Paige; one brother Richard (Marjorie Jean) Gilley; one sister Donna (Dr. Walter) Gager; special friend Jan Kniss; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday May 30, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena, IL.
A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday May 29, 2015 at Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.
Fr. Andrew Skrobutt will officiate the service.
Cremation rights were accorded.
Burial will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Lena, IL.
A memorial has been established in his name.
A celebration of life will be held from 12:30-4:00 PM at Rafters.
Friends may send condolences to the family at www.leamonfh.com.