Mary K. Gillespie

Mary Katherine Gillespie (Van Dinter), age 88 of Appleton, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on April 18th, 2025 at Frontida of Kimberly shortly after celebrating her 88th birthday. She was born April 1, 1937 to the late Lester and Rose Van Dinter (Geurts).

On May 14, 1960, Mary married James (Jim) Gillespie and had two daughters, Cheri (Mike) Manderfield and Lori (Jay) Gillespie. In 1960, Mary and Jim co-founded Gillespie Gardens, Inc., followed by the establishment of Appleton Seed Company in 1987. Throughout these years, Mary was dedicated to her work as both a skilled hairdresser and a vital contributor to the family businesses. Together, Mary and Jim built successful and well-respected companies within their community, continuing their work until Jim’s passing in 1998.

Mary and Jim cherished their time spent at their Cottage in Townsend, where they created lasting memories with their family and many friends. An avid ballroom dancer, Mary was a social person, often found attending “card nights” and get-togethers with her friends, or enjoying a good fish-fry and old-fashioned on a Friday night. Later in life, Mary remained in Appleton, where she continued to foster meaningful relationships and enjoyed the company of her many friends.

Along with her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Gillespie; daughter, Cheri Manderfield; son-in-law, Jay Sonnleitner; sister-in-law, Janice Van Dinter; brother and sister-in-law William and Judith Gillespie; and her close friend, Joyce Lecker. She is survived by her brothers, David and Daniel Van Dinter; her daughter, Lori Gillespie; her three grandchildren, Jeff (Ericka) Lecker, Nicole (Mitchell) Michiels, and Logan Gillespie; and her four great-grandchildren, Bella and London Lecker and Lainey and Harper Michiels. Mary is also survived by her close friends Sue Hagel and Judy Pocan.

Mary’s family and friends will always remember her fierce spirit and genuine love—qualities that will endure in her legacy and remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

A memorial visitation will be held from 10-11 AM on Friday, May 2, 2025 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1810 N. McDonald St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a mass to follow at 11 AM.  She will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Appleton, WI. 

A special thanks to the staff at Frontida of Kimberly and at Compassus Hospice for their care and compassion.