Rick D. Gillis, 65, of Burlington, died Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born on March 30, 1959, in Burlington, he was the son of George W. and Marquita M. Green Gillis. On Oct. 15, 1977, in Burlington, he married Lynnette Gall, she survives.
Rick was a 1977 Mediapolis High School graduate. For forty years he worked as a mechanic and machinist for Georgia Pacific, Simpson and Federal Mogul where he retired from. Rick loved to work on his cars or fix things around the house. He was a “jack of all trades” and could fix just about anything. In his free time, he enjoyed being out in nature hunting or fishing. Most of all Rick was a family man. He never missed spending time with his family. There was nothing else in this world that mattered to him more than his family. They were his pride and joy.
Rick is survived by his wife of forty-seven years Lynnette; three daughters: Andrea (Rick) Baker of Douglas, Wyoming, Erin Gillis of West Point, Iowa and Christina Donlan of Garden Grove, Iowa; twelve grandchildren: Dean (Jessie) Baker, Lee (Natalie) Baker, Ryen Rater, Ty Baker, Garrett Vanderpool, Sydnee Vanderpool, Ashton Gillis, Keira Cernich, William Gillis, Jade-Lynn Gillis, Emylee Gillis and Hunter Mason; four great grandchildren; three siblings: Charles Gillis of Burlington, Iowa, Lori Peterman of Douglas, Wyoming and Estella Richie of Minnesota and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his two fur babies Zoey and Poppy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Catherine Brown, brother Lonnie Gillis and nephews: Anthony “Tony” Gallego and Tharon Gillis.
The visitation for Rick will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at Lunning Chapel, where the family will meet with friends.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31, 2025 at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Burlington, with Father Jake Greiner as celebrant.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his memory for a charity of your choice.