Fifth Generation

81. Warren Henry GILLETTE was born on 18 March 1924 in Wisconsin.^1,24,86 (His family surname was listed as "Gillett" in the Monroe County Heritage Book and in his wife's obituary.) He appeared in the census in 1930 in Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI.¹⁸ He graduated in 1942 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.⁴⁷ from Tomah High School. Warren died on 17 December 2002 at the age of 78 in La Grange Township, Monroe County, WI.⁴⁷ at the Tomah VA Medical Center. He was buried on 20 December 2002 in Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI.⁴⁷ in the Danavang Cemetery.

Warren Henry GILLETTE and Ruth Arbella JENSEN were married on 5 September 1946 in Dannavang, Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI.^24,47 Ruth Arbella JENSEN, daughter of Nels Martinus JENSEN and Hattie SMITH, was born on 19 January 1928 in Warrens, Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI.^24,51 She died on 23 May 2009 at the age of 81 in Monroe County, WI.⁸⁷

Obituary Notes: "Ruth A. Gillett, age 81, died peacefully at her home on Saturday, May 23, 2009, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Jan. 19, 1928, in Warrens, WI, to Martin and Hattie (Smith) Jensen, the youngest of a family of eight. She attended Knapp and Warrens schools, then went on to graduate from Tomah High School in 1945. Following graduation she worked at Fort McCoy, the Tomah Cash Store and also at Pongratz IGA in Warrens.

On Sept. 5, 1946, she was united in marriage to Warren Gillett at the Dannavang Eben Ezer Lutheran Church. He had just returned from a tour of military service. They lived in Tunnel City for one year before returning to the home farm in Warrens. After the closing of the Dannavang Church she became a vibrant member of the Baptist Church near Warrens. She served on the Deacon Board of Trustees, taught Sunday School, acted as secretary, treasurer and president of the A.B.W. Ruth was also on the “Calling Committee” for the church when in need of a new pastor. She was an active member of the Dannavang Cemetery Association for most of her life, acting as the secretary and treasurer for 20 years. Ruth and Warren had a full and blessed life together. The time spent with their family and friends kept them young at heart for the 56 years they were married. Her and Warren’s favorite activity would have been time spent together on the dance floor. “I know God has had this plan for my life, 8 beautiful children, 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. The Love of my Life passed away on Dec. 17, 2002 (I miss him).

Ruth is survived by her children: Nancy Schindel of Warrens, Wayne (Nancy) Gillette, of Tomah, Peggy Ann Gillett of Tomah, Laura Jane (David) Witt of Warrens, Amanda Jo (David) Johnson of Warrens, Brenda Lee (Richard) Worthington of Tomah, Warren Thomas Gillett of Warrens; a daughter-in-law, Joyce Gillette of Warrens; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one sister, Laverne Taylor of Mauston, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Warren; one son, Dennis; one son-in-law, Ron Schindel; one great-grandson, Kyle Burkhalter, and six brothers and sisters, Irene Rudoll, Russel Jensen, Dorothy Faulkner, Hazel Kauss, Harold Jensen, and Alice Tralmer.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 27, at 11 a.m. at the Open Door Baptist Church near Warrens. Pastor Jay Cronholm will officiate. Visitation was on Tuesday May 26, from 4-7 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Visitation was also held at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah assisted the family with arrangements."

Warren Henry GILLETTE and Ruth Arbella JENSEN had the following children: