Janice Gillespie

Janice Gillespie went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, January 25, 2017. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 30, 2017 at Appleton Alliance Church, 2693 Grand Chute Boulevard in Appleton. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of the service, with a luncheon to follow.

Jan was born in Appleton to Oliver and Ruth Krull. She attended the one room Woodlawn Elementary School on Hwy 47 next to the Krull family mink ranch. The silo still remains with its Bible verse visible to passing travelers, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul.” Mark 8:36

Her childhood Sweetheart, John Gillespie attended the same school and they met when he was a 2nd grader and Jan was starting 3rd grade. She was the “older” woman that attracted his attention that lasted a lifetime.

Jan and John married and had two sons, Steve and Tim. In 1965 they founded the Rawhide Boys Ranch and over the next 35 years had 351 foster sons live in their home. Jan loved each one of them.

She kept a note in her cupboard door that said, “Those who deserve love least, need it the most.” She believed each of us needed the forgiveness only Christ can provide and she sought to give that grace to the hundreds of young men who called her Mom.

She was an avid horsewoman. She loved animals and rescued many. The boys ranch had horses, dogs, cats, rabbits as well as a pet possum, skunk, crow, raccoon, llama, donkey and two foxes. She had a lot of love to give.

She attended Appleton Alliance Church and brought others to the church and to the Lord. She was a faithful prayer warrior. She was an optimist and always lived with her cup overflowing. She loved her husband John with deep devotion. She believed in and encouraged her children.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years: John; two sons: Steve (Sandy) Gillespie and Tim (Shannon) Gillespie; two granddaughters: Ruth (Bill) Herrle and Carolyn (Wyatt) Kuether; a grandson: Reagan Gillespie; her great grandchildren: Mackenzie and Jacob Herrle; her sister: Judy (George) Massey; her brothers: John (Connie) Krull and Jim (Jeannine) Krull; her caregivers: Bobbye Hartzheim and Brenda Beise; her 351 foster sons, and hundreds of others too numerous to mention but each with a special place in her heart, and many other relatives and friends.

John and Jan have written a book about the founding of Rawhide Boys Ranch to be published this summer. A video story about the book hosted by Chuck Woolery and featuring Bart & Cherry Starr can be viewed at: www.our351sons.com.

The family has asked that those interested, in lieu of flowers, can support a memorial to Jan Gillespie that has been established at Rawhide Boys Ranch for the building of a home on the grounds. Contributions can be made online at www.rawhide.org .