Francis "Frank" E. Gillespie

Francis “Frank” Eugene Gillespie was born on September 24, 1945, in Graceville, Minnesota the son of Dale and Joyce (Anderson) Gillespie.  He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Chokio and in 1964 graduated from Chokio High School.  After graduation Frank served his country in the United States Army.

After being Honorably Discharged he returned to Minnesota where ran his parent’s bar “Dutch and Joyce’s Bar” in Garfield from 1967 – 1976.  He then moved to Elbow Lake where he did a variety of jobs before moving to Detroit Lakes where he worked for UBC Lumberyard from 1985-1987.  In 1987, he started working for Swifts Turkey Plant till 1992 and then Wausau Building Supplies until his retirement in 2000. 

Frank enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, and spending time with his dog, Molly.  He will be remembered as honest, generous man who loved kids.

Frank died on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Veteran’s Hospital in Fargo at the age of 77.  He is survived by his significant other, Sheila; children: Patricia (Jeff) Ross of Pelican Rapids, Ronald Overson of Detroit Lakes, Michael (Chessica) Overson of Glyndon; eight grandchildren; brothers: Delbert Gillespie of Palmhurst, TX, Verl (Starr) Gillespie of Palmhurst, TX, Darrell (Gwen) Gillespie of Ashby; sisters: Glenda Stokes of Alexandria, and Linda Fahlin of Garfield; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Joyce; and nephews: Trevor Gillespie & Tanner Stokes. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, May 26, 2023, at the Anderson Funeral Home.  Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Eagle’s  Healing Nest.  www.eagleshealingnest.org/donate