Gilbert Joseph “Joe” Gilchrist Jr., 65, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died peacefully at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, March 15, 2015, in his home after a two-month battle with leukemia.
He was born Oct. 19, 1949, in LaPorte to Gilbert J. and Margery Jean (Jones) Gilchrist.
Joe was a lifetime resident of Rolling Prairie. He worked for 28 years at Wirekraft, Rolling Prairie, until it closed. Joe later retired from Sanlo, Michigan City, in 2013. He was a member of the last graduating class of Rolling Prairie High School in 1968. Joe attended Indiana University and was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. He enjoyed spending time at home with his family and friends, tending to his garden, and watching IU basketball and the Cubs. He also enjoyed traveling the country with Lory. Most recently, they enjoyed a two-week trip to Alaska.
On Sunday, June 28, 1970, in Maple Grove Church, he married Lory L. (Wilkey) Gilchrist, who survives.
Also surviving are his father, Gilbert J. Gilchrist Sr.; two daughters, Sheryl E. (Jason) Warren of LaPorte and Jody L. (Jack Strope) Gilchrist of Rolling Prairie; four grandchildren, Dylan James “DJ” and Samantha Grace Warren of LaPorte and Dakota Rae and Caleb Joseph Strope of Rolling Prairie; one sister, Ann Gilchrist of LaPorte; and two brothers, Dale Gilchrist of Rolling Prairie and Cliff (Melissa) Gilchrist of LaPorte.
Preceding him in death were his mother, Margery; one brother, Roger Dean; grandparents; great-grandparents; three aunts and two uncles.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 p.m. until the service.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 941 E. 86th St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240, in memory of Gilbert Joseph Gilchrist Jr.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.