George Gilkey
October 07, 1975 - October 11, 2024
Obituary
Madison - George (Geo) Scott Gilkey, age 49 passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024. He was born in Madison, WI, the son of Jane (Statz) Gilkey and George Robert Gilkey. He attended Midvale, Van Hise, West High School ‘94, and UW Whitewater in Communications.
He worked at Great Lakes Higher Education Loans, now Nelnet, and part time Home Depot in Janesville and Madison, where he enjoyed his position as Head Cashier, and making so many wonderful friendships. Wherever he seemed to go, he met so many wonderful people and carried their friendships on even though they were separated by distance. He recently enjoyed his 30th High School Class Reunion. He also enjoyed Scouting in his early years achieving Eagle Scout Rank and attended Philmont Scout Ranch in NM. He and most of his friends were Star Wars fanatics, Metallica, Packer, UW Badger, and Brewer fans. He also shared his enjoyment of music (The Beatles), art, and comedy with his mom. And all the sports he shared with his father. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was a loving brother to Trina Cosgrove and brother-in-law, Peter Cosgrove. He was especially close to his niece, Katelyn, following most of her volleyball games and nephew, Jimmy who shared his love of Star Wars and digital games. Each summer he enjoyed trips around the state with them when they came to Madison. He enjoyed decorating his Home Depot apron on each holiday too. He was a collector of all Star Wars items and for Halloween and Christmas he brought out all the lights and decorations to celebrate.
He is survived by his parents Jane and George, sister Trina (Pete); niece Katelyn, nephew Jimmy; and multiple cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jane and Philip Statz of Madison, WI, and George and Edna Gilkey of Merrill, WI, four aunts Susan (Erling) Johnson, Judy (Gilkey) Peper Ullmer, Madge Gilkey, and Barbara (Gilkey) Zackert.
A special thank you to Mara Tarp, John Mach, and Pete Cosgrove; and to the staff, doctors, nurses at the Meriter ER.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Heart Association, Our Lady Queen of Peace, or to a charity of your choice.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 S Owen Drive, Madison with Fr. Jay Poster officiating. A visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. A private inurnment will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
5701 Odana Road
608-274-1000
Events
There are no events for George yet.
Photos
No photos of George have been shared yet.
Memories
DG
Dave Giles
Other • 7 months ago
My heart goes out to Geo's family. He was not only a wonderful co- worker, but a great friend as well. You will be missed, my friend. Dave Giles
SL
Sue Lange
Other • 7 months ago
Jane and Skip, I know your hearts are broken. I hope there is some comfort in knowing that we share in your sadness and loss. May God give you strength. Sue
SH
Samantha Halvorson
Other • 7 months ago
Geo I worked with you years, I always enjoyed them. You were a fun person. Rest in peace on behalf of GL coworker
BH
Bethany Heil
Other • 7 months ago
I have so many memories of John and Geo: camping trips party nights in college, hanging at the radio station or listening to them laugh jamming with them. My favorite memory is when John and I stole Nickel, Geo's cat and hid Nickel in my dorm room for 3 days. That cat hung from the rafters. Geo was beside himself thinking Nickel was gone. When he finally figured out that I had his cat, the look of joy and happiness and laughter when I returned Nickel to him and John was just smitten with himself. Those were the days I'd give anything to have those days again. Much love and condolences---Bethany Heil
SL
Shari Lunda-Eberhardt
Other • 7 months ago
Jane and Skip: Deepest condolences to you in the loss of your dear son. Thinking of you. Shari Lunda-Eberhardt
KL
karla lokemoen
Other • 6 months ago
Skip and Jane my heart goes out to you at this time of great sorrow. I think of you and your family often. Hold on. Karla