Richard (Dick) Charles Gillis, 95, passed away on July 24 at Hayward Health Center surrounded by his family.

Dick was born on January 5, 1930, in Hayward to Raymond and Martha Gillis.

Dick graduated from Hayward High School in 1948. In high school he met the love of his life, Shirley Larsen, and the two were married on October 15, 1948, spending almost 70 years together until Shirley’s passing in 2018.

Dick spent 13 years in the Army National Guard. After working at different dealerships, he and his brother, Don, decided to open Gillis Motors, a Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge dealership, in 1960. The dealership remained in the family for over 50 years.

He was very active in the community and participated in a number of organizations, including the Hayward Chamber of Commerce and the Hayward School Board. He also played a key role in the First Lutheran Church Building Committee.

Dick enjoyed being with his family, golf, reading the newspaper, Wisconsin sports, spending winters in Las Vegas, and spending time with friends at Angler’s.

Dick is survived by five children, Lynn (John) Syverson of Hayward, Jo Ellen Preradovic of Corcoran, MN, Jeffery Gillis (Ann) of Madison, WI, Brian Gillis of Hayward, WI, Patrick Gillis of Holmen, WI; sixteen grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, daughter, Jeanne Ann Johnson, son-in-law, Mark Johnson, son-in-law, Jerry Preradovic, brother Daniel (Don) Gillis, and sisters Marjorie Sieh, Marcella Thron, Florence Stelski, Lois Mueller, and Mary Lou Snellings.

A memorial service celebrating Dick’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 7 at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Joel Bacon officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, at Hayward Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward.

Memorials can be directed to Regional Hospice Services, 15910 W Company Lake Rd., Ste 3, Hayward, WI 54843 or Hayward Health Services, 10775 Nyman Ave., Hayward, WI 54843.

Last Update: Jul 29, 2025 7:13 am CDT