Barbara J. Gillis

Barbara J. Gillis, 78, of Plymouth, formerly of Howards Grove, passed away peacefully at home on January 1, 2025. She was the oldest born child to the late Reuben and Valdis (Sengbusch) Robley on October 13, 1946 in Appleton, WI. 

Barb was united in marriage to Paul “Pete” Gillis on February 8, 1964, he preceded her in death in 2001. She was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Howards Grove.  

Barb had her own home daycare service for 20 years in Howards Grove. Later she worked for over 20 years at Johnsonville before retiring. Barb enjoyed traveling, crossword puzzles, trips to the Casino and attending historical lectures. She was an avid reader. Barb also enjoyed her time at Generations at Plymouth, volunteering her time reading to the daycare children, including her great-grandchildren who were a part of that daycare program. 

Barb is survived by her daughters, Teri (Rich) Horneck of Plymouth, Brenda (Jim) Yurk of Sheboygan and Wendy (Brian) Koenig of Plymouth; seven grandchildren Nicole (Dan) Cardamone, Derek (Megan) Yurk, Erin (Mathew Kottoor) Yurk, Nicholas (Erin) Horneck, Scott (Megan) Koenig, Trevor Horneck and Kaylee (Cole Hilgart) Koenig; and her nine great-grandchildren who knew her as “G.G.”, Penelope, Graham, Lidia, Oliver, Brooks, Ellie, Hayden, Lincoln, Everly and Baby Horneck on the way.  

She is further survived by her siblings Russ (Margaret) Robley of Wrightstown, Shari (Harlan) Volkman of Seymour, Sue (Henry) Van Oudenhoven of Neenah, Kathy (Joe) Van Mun of Kimberly; one brother-in-law Cornelius Van Voorhis of Shiocton; many nieces and nephews, Pete’s brothers, sisters and their families. 

She is preceded in death by her husband Pete, her parents Reuben and Valdis Robley; and her sister Janice Van Voorhis. 

A funeral service for Barb will take place on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 11:30am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 441 Millersville Ave, Howards Grove, WI 53083, with Pastor Adam Bode officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:30am until the time of service at 11:30am. A private burial for Barb will take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery. The funeral service will be livestreamed on the funeral home’s website. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Pastor Bode and everyone who showed support to Barb these last months.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Barb’s memory to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Howards Grove or Generations in Plymouth.