Chad Gillespie, 50

Mass of Christian Burial for Chad Gillespie, age 50, of Norfolk, NE was held Monday, July 1, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk, NE. Reverend Patrick McLaughlin was celebrant, with burial in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Norfolk.

Chad passed away Thursday, June 20, 2024. Chad was born on October 10, 1973, in Norfolk, NE to Dr. Joel Gillespie and Dionne (Winkleman) Gillespie. After graduating from Norfolk Public High School Chad received a welding certificate from Northeast Community College. He loved the outdoors, working hard, pleasing friends and family and helping anyone, including strangers, in any way he could. He was often accused of letting people take advantage of him and his giving nature.

His love of all things that could fly started as a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Chad was well versed, especially in military airplanes and loved to share his knowledge. For several years he had a key role in running The Pines, our family resort, for many years. He was well known for his welcoming demeanor and his talent at making ‘flies’ for the trout (fly) fishing on Pine Creek.

He was in Knights of Columbus serving in Bassett while in Long Pine. Chad was often recruited to help at community services such as the Lions Club Pancake Feed by his family and always looked forward to all the family events.

Chad was blessed, or in some instances, cursed with seven other siblings.

Through childhood’s laughter and adulthood’s tears, our bond is unbroken and nourished with care to stop the fears. Brother, friend, constant and true, you’ll always be our number seven. It is in our hearts you’ll stay, your spirit we will hold until we see you in heaven.

For the last several years Chad helped take care of the family farm. Because he was number seven, out of eight brothers and sisters, he believed in his survival skills. He had plenty of experience in physical combat, psychological warfare and sensing of all suspicious activity. Chad has always been family oriented and will be missed dearly. His love for the outdoors was evident as he was always down for hunting, fishing, cutting firewood, gardening (with weeds), target practice, mustard (no ketchup please) and would never pass up a great steak.

Chad is survived by his seven siblings, Kim (Mike) Karweik of Hopkins, MI, Marc Gillespie of New London, WI, Diette Glenn and Rod Palmer of Ainsworth, Jeff Gillespie of Norfolk, Kathy (Van) Neidig of Battle Creek, Michaela (Glen) Chelberg of Minneapolis, MN, and Amy Gillespie of Minneapolis, MN; 16 nieces and nephews; and 15 great-nieces and nephews.

Chad was preceded in death by his parents, Joel and Dionne Gillespie; and grandparents, Richard and Cecelia Winkleman and J.T and Anne Gillespie.

Home for Funerals in Norfolk is in charge of arrangements.