Gary Gilman

Gary Gilman

January 26, 1946 - December 29, 2021

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Obituary

Madison- Gary Glen Gilman, age 75, passed away on December 29, 2021, at St. Mary’s Hospital after suffering a heart attack. He was born on January 26, 1946, to parents Alonzo and Ann (Leonetti) Gilman in Kenosha, WI. Gary’s good childhood memories include activities with his many cousins and summers spent on his grandparents’ farm.

He graduated from UW Madison in 1968 with a degree in political science. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army where he served in Alaska until he was called home to care for his mother. He worked for the state job service office, leaving after ten years as a planning analyst. Gary retired in 2001 from Dane County Social Services as an income maintenance supervisor.

After a whirlwind romance, Gary and Julie married on February 17, 1978, in Madison. They shared a common interest in all things musical, unknown to most Gary had a wonderful tenor voice. Gary always looked forward to any social occasions, including many with the Calhouns where he shared his sense of humor and the fruits of his photographic memory.

Gary battled cancer since 2013 never letting it get him down and remaining optimistic throughout. He continued his coffee rounds and made new friends even throughout the pandemic.

The family wishes to thank the Carbone Cancer Center (Dr. Hageman), his primary care physician Dr. Czechowski, his oncologist Dr. Makielski, and all the nurses and care staff.

Gary is survived by his wife of 43 years Julie; brothers-in-law Alan (Lois), Ken, and Chris (Lisa) Calhoun; sister-in-law Linda Dresser; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Lon.

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Goodman Community Center, Ironworks Building, 149 Waubesa St, Madison, WI 53704.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Ave.

608-249-8257

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DP
Deb Piquette
Other •
Remembering my former coworker & supervisor, Gary, at DCHS. I have many warm memories of Garys quirky sense of humor & his ready smile. He was extremely knowledgeable of our sometimes confusing & contradicting policies. More importantly, Gary was supportive of his staff & compassionate with our clients. I truly considered him a friend during my time at DCHS. Sending hugs of comfort to Julie & Garys extended family.
SL
Steve from the library
Other •
I miss you, Gary.
LS
Lakeview Library Staff
Other •
Gary was a favorite patron at Lakeview Library--kind and patient--a welcome bright spot in our days. We miss him. Thinking of his family.
KX
Krystal Xiong
Other •
Gary was a frequent patron to the Lakeview Public Library in Madison. I met Gary here when I started my job during the beginning of the pandemic in the library. He was a kind, gentle and funny man who loved sharing his life stories about living in Alaska and life down South. Everyone who works at this library absolutely adored Gary. It was always a good day when we got to see him. He will be deeply missed.
BC
Bill Crawford
Other •
I first met Gary in 1967 at Swenson house dormitory at UW when Gary was a senior and I was a freshman. We remained friends over the years following school. He got me a summer job when he worked for the local job service. Gary was with me on a night out on the town in 1974 when I met my future wife. He even encouraged me to ask her to dance. I havent seen Gary in many years, but I often thought about him. Sorry I didnt keep in touch.
DB
Douglas Buege
Other •
A great neighbor and a comrade in radio, always on top of our community's goings-on, Gary made the world a better place every single day.

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