JOHN GILLEN

The end of an era occurred on April 30, 2025, when John F. Gillen passed away at age 94, surrounded by family in his Neenah home. He was born on September 10, 1930, in Chicago to James and Margaret Gillen. John attended St. Columbanus Catholic Elementary and graduated from Parker High School in 1949.

John joined the Air Force in 1950, stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. There, he discovered his leadership talents, becoming a sergeant in charge of communications, player/manager of the base’s basketball team, and president of the American Legion Club, transforming it from near closure into one of the best of its time.

After his service, John co-owned a bar and worked as a “Repo Man” in Chicago before joining Kimberly-Clark Corp in 1954, managing the Baltimore sales territory. In Baltimore, he met and married Ann Robinson on January 31, 1958. They moved to Arlington Heights, IL, in 1960, raising their 7 children. John engaged in local politics, coached his children’s sports teams, and, with Ann, opened Big John’s, a sub sandwich restaurant, to fuel his entrepreneurial spirit.

In 1978, the Gillen family relocated to Neenah, WI, when John was promoted to National Sales Manager at Kimberly-Clark. After 33 years, he retired to found Tel Mark Sales Inc. with Ann. John’s unrelenting drive, vision, and larger-than-life approach to business grew the company to over 1,000 employees by its sale in 2002.

The Gillen Family Foundation, established in 2002 by John and Ann, was a cherished platform for John to continue his lifelong commitment to helping others, a value he instilled in his children. His motto, “The Harder You Work, the Luckier You Get,” sums up the work ethic he passed down.

John’s storytelling was legendary. Whether addressing one person or a ballroom, he captivated audiences with tales of life lessons, business triumphs, or his love for family, leaving listeners enthralled.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Ann, son Andrew, and brother Father Niles Gillen. He is survived by his children: John (Wendy) Gillen, Kenneth (Carol) Gillen, Gregory (Mike) Gillen, Laura (Jay) Jankowski, David (Mindy) Gillen, and Lisa (Daniel) Murphy. He is also survived by his 14 grandchildren: John (Laura) Gillen III, Conor Gillen, Grace (Matt) Shoub, Kyle (Coco) Gillen, Sean (Danielle) Gillen, Brittany (Andrew) Maingot, Christopher (Hannah) Jankowski, Spencer Jankowski, Matthew Jankowski, Madison (Jake) Gillen, Brennan Gillen, Cade Gillen, Thomas Murphy, and Sarah Murphy, as well as 14 great-grandchildren. John is further survived by his brother-in-law, Lan Robinson, of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, May 12, 2025, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 620 Division St., Neenah. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 A.M. until the hour of service. John will be laid to rest alongside Ann in the Gillen family plot at St. Margaret Cemetery, Neenah, WI 54956.

The Gillen family extends gratitude to Valley Nurses Association (VNA) Senior Care for their loving support, ensuring John’s comfort and safety at home. Special thanks to Claire Baumann for nearly 30 years of invaluable service as Ann and John’s personal assistant, and to Jeff Hesson, Jeffry Knezel, and Geoff Penn for their guidance and counsel.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Valley VNA Care Giver Fund. Condolences may be sent to The Gillen Family at P.O. Box 453, Neenah, WI 54957.