Robert Charles Gillstrom

On March 12th, 2015 our grandfather, Robert Charles Gillstrom passed away peacefully with his family by his side in Quinnesec at the age of 85.  He was born on March 15th, 1929 in Alston to Edwin and Anna Gillstrom, the youngest of five children. 

On this day we lost our grandpa, best friend, hero, and so much more. 

 He never gave less than 100% in the work he did. Over the course of his life, he held every sort of job. Bob joined his father in his work for the state, where they sat on lookout duty atop Silver Mountain during the Second World War. On these watches, they kept an eye out for fire and anything that looked like it might be an enemy airplane. Later, in 1946, he, along with his father and brother, opened Gillstrom Service Station in Alston. He operated the station until he had to leave for service in 1951. During his service, his father assumed operational duties of the station. He served in the United States Army from 1951-1953, in which time he was stationed in Korea, where he did all manner of work, even taking care of a local boy with his platoon, whom he recalled fondly. He was honorably discharged on New Year’s Eve, 1953 at the rank of Corporal. He sailed on the Marine Phoenix to San Francisco and from there returned home. 

Once he returned home, he resumed his position at the service station, where he continued his business until 1966, when he married Mildred Amos and busied himself with driving his father to Florida and back until 1977. Then, up until his retirement in 1992, he held a job as a logger, mechanic, and miner. Those he worked with remembered his friendliness and reliability.  

In 1979, his adventure into grandchildren began, when his granddaughter Aimee was born. He doted on her throughout her childhood, never far from her side. In 1997, Aimee’s son Austin was born and Bob gave him the same treatment, becoming his best friend and taking him everywhere he went. In May of 2002, Gavin was born, and Bob loved him with all his heart. He gave his grandkids the world, in every way he could. He fed them, clothed them, and gave them a place to stay. Nothing was good enough for them. 

Bob became the greatest supporter of Because of Mandy, his granddaughter's dog rescue when it was founded in 2009. At that time, Bob had moved in with his granddaughter and her son Austin. He became Mandy's grandfather, he cared for her like she was his own child. Once more dogs were taken in, he showed them the same love and it was obvious then that Bob Gillstrom cared; not just for people but for animals too. He had a huge heart and was a driving force behind the rescue's continuation. 

Bob's life was more than hard work and surviving bad circumstances. He created a legacy that will live on with those he touched until the end of their lives. His heart was full of love, and he would give someone the shirt off his back. He meant more than words could say to so many people; people he might not have even known that well. He was kind, generous, and genuine. He was a shoulder to cry on and a wise teacher to learn from. Bob was as honest as a man could get, and for all these reasons, he will be remembered. 

Words cannot describe all that he did, all that he was, all that he is. He lived an amazing life, traveling far, working hard, and always caring for those he loved. Angels would be jealous of the compassion and love he held in his heart. 

He is survived by his granddaughter, Aimee (Dean Lindblom), grandson Chad Myhren (Kathy), and grandsons Austin Sullivan and Gavin Myhren.

A very special thank you to: Dean who our grandpa nicknamed Jim.  Our grandpa adored Dean.  The kindness that Dean showed our grandfather, until the moment he took his last breath, will never be forgotten. Our grandfather chose to spend his final days of life at Dean's home along with his granddaughter Aimee. Also, a special thank you to Kirsten Applin who provided comfort during his last moments; and to everyone at Because Of Mandy Dog Rescue, who our Grandpa proudly called his family.  Thank you all for your support during this difficult time and most of all for loving him. He will be missed. Always. 

Funeral Services for Robert were held on Monday, March 16, 2015 in Ontonagon. Spring burial will be held at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Greenland. The Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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