Ronald Dale Gillman

Ronald Gillman, 76, Nebish, MN passed away on January 4, 2025 at his home.

A Celebration of Life is planned for late spring at the family farm in Nebish. Inurnment will be at Nebish Community Cemetery.

Born to Delmar and Julia (Polich) Gillman on February 28, 1948. He grew up in Nebish where he attended school through the 8th grade at the Nebish School House. He attended Blackduck High School until his senior year where he graduated from Bemidji High School. After graduation, he worked at Nuply in Bemidji. He also drove to Hibbing on weekends to work at his uncle’s racetrack.

He was drafted into the Army in February of 1968 and left for basic training in March. On June 3, 1968 he marred Diane (Olsen) Dahl. Upon being discharged from the Army, he made his home in Nebish while working Mark Hurd Arial Survey, Century-Mercury Freight Co. he also drove the Nebish route school bus for a few years.

On May 20, 1978 he married Linda Shofner at Oak Hills Bible College. Ron and Linda lived in Nebish to farm and raise their children. In 1981, Ron and Linda built Gillman’s Grocery, followed by Gillman’s Liquor in 1992 where he worked until his retirement in 2010. Ron enjoyed visiting with his customers and always loved to give the kids treats who came into the store. He also ran a pawn shop for a few years. Each day he was filled with anticipation as to what might come through the door on any given day.

Ron loved to trap in the fall of each year. His favorite activity was to walk in the woods and developed an interest in botanicals which he picked and sold as a side business. Ron also cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren and sharing stories and adventures he had growing up.

Ron enjoyed feeding his birds and squirrels every day. He was always on the lookout for birds who were newcomers. Most of all he loved his little Ginger who was his sidekick for 13 years and never more than a few feet away from him. There is no doubt that she wagged her tail furiously and jumped on his lap with the pure love they felt for each other when they met up again in heaven.

Ron was also a lover of history be it world history or local history. He loved sharing the history of the Nebish area to family and friends.

Ron is survived by his wife, Linda; brother Ernest (Cathy) Gillman, brother-in-law, Jerry (Leslie) Shofner; son, Troy (Sarah) Gillman; daughter, Tawnel (Mark) Blore; daughter, Amy Shofner; grandchildren, Brittany Gillman, Gavin Hannay, Elizabeth (Izzy) Hannay, Isaac Blore; nephew, Aaron Gillman; niece, Alisa Radcliffe; great niece, Charolette Radcliffe and cousin, Perry (Cindy) Gillman who he thought of as a brother.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.

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