Feb. 22, 1931 — Nov. 9, 2014

Gil Gescheidle, 83, of Niles, passed away at his home on Nov. 9, 2014, with his loving family by his side.

Gil was born to the late Melvin and Alice (McArthur) Gescheidle in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on Feb. 22, 1931.

After graduation Gil served his country as part of the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

On July 18, 1987, Gil wed the woman who won his heart, Jeanie A. (Streator) Tharp at a ceremony in Niles, Michigan.

Working the fields brought Gil much happiness and great satisfaction. He was devoted to farming for over 50 years, and fifteen of those years he spent at Cole’s Farms. Gil had a passion for the outdoors, he also enjoyed hunting and took many trips with family and friends out West to enjoy the hunts and wildlife there. Gil was a key member of the Pokagon Volunteer Fire Department from 1973-1982. He was a man of great faith and was an active member at Liberty Chapel in Dowagiac.

Gil is preceded in death by his parents and his former wife Marilyn (Berger) Gescheidle, who passed in 1980.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanie, his two sons, Durk Gescheidle and Bruce (Diane) Gescheidle of Florida, daughter Carol (Chuck) Bower of Niles, stepdaughter Heide Tharp of Dowagiac, stepsons, Robert “Bob” (Heather) Tharp of Niles and Shilo (Sarah) Tharp of Ames, Iowa. Gil will also be greatly missed by his nineteen grandchildren, his five great-grandchildren, his brother Donald (Beverly) Gescheidle of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and his sister Elaine (Clarence) Rulo of Hartford, Wisconsin.

Visitation for Gil will be Thursday, Nov. 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Funeral services will be held at Brown Funeral Home on Friday, Nov. 14th at 3 p.m. with Pastor Mark Saylor officiating.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Gil may do so to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for Gil’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com, or Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHome.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services.