Preceded in death by parents Jerome and Eleanor Gillett and brother Galen Gillett. Survived by wife of 60 years, Linda; daughters Jessica ( Randy) Jones, Christine ( Thomas) Coyer, and Elizabeth ( Noel) Cronin; grandchildren Luke (Becca) Coyer, Conor (Sarah) Jones, Parker Coyer, Hannah ( Ryan) Weber, Wil Hezlep, Carrie Coyer, Owen Hezlep, and Samantha Coyer; sisters Margaret Duker and Mary Borger.
David was an amazing man worth celebrating. Graduate of Washburn High School and the University of Minnesota. Performed internationally with the University of MN Theatre Department. Volunteer for Contact Twin Cities - one of the first mental health crisis hotlines of its time in the 1970’s- and for Kairos Outreach. Ordained Deacon of the Episcopal Church of Minnesota. Chaplain at United Hospital in St. Paul MN. Precinct election official for the City of Bloomington. Loyal and compassionate son, brother, and friend. Proud veteran of the US Marine Corps.
But most importantly, David was a much beloved husband, father, and papa. He married the love of his life, Linda Helen Opstad, on July 3 1963 at St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis. For over 60 years, David and Linda lived their vows to love, honor, and cherish each other and raised a family of 3 daughters and 8 grandchildren who grew up feeling loved, honored, and cherished. David was an intelligent, talented, and creative man who was passionate about theatre and film, books and music, crossword puzzles and cryptoquips, the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. His enthusiasm instilled lifelong connections with his children and grandchildren and David made a point of sharing moments and experiences with them - finding ways to connect that made each member of his family feel special, loved, and understood.
David will always be a much beloved husband, father, and papa. He leaves a legacy of love and joy, of acceptance and generosity, of curiosity and humor that lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Service of Remembrance will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Visitation one hour prior to service, from 10 - 11 AM, at Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Dr., Woodbury, MN 55125. Private Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WulffWoodburyFuneralHome.com for the Gillett family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18