Gerald H. Gillan

Gerald “Jerry” Gillan, 93, of Findlay, Ohio, Marion Township, passed away on April 13, 2025, at Birchaven Village, Findlay, Ohio surrounded by his loving family.  Jerry was born in Canandaigua, New York on September 30, 1931, to his parents, the late James E. Gillan (Port Orange, Florida) and the late Phyllis J. (Andrews) Gillan Murray (husband William Murray) of Zephyrhills, Florida.  Jerry was predeceased by his wife, Carol R. (Hochstettler) Gillan.  He is survived by his children: Scott (Elizabeth) Gillan, Alan Gillan, daughter Deanna (Clyde) Cooley, granddaughter Amie (Alex) Rogers and great-grandchildren, Griffin Rogers and Jade Rogers, all of Findlay, Ohio, and daughter Marcia Gillan of Sylvania, Ohio.

Jerry graduated from East High School, Rochester, New York in 1949 and from Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio in 1953, with a Bachelor’s Degree in History.  He married Carol R. Hochstettler on April 18, 1954, in Findlay, Ohio and they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary before Carol’s death on October 19, 2020. 

Jerry was a member of the Living Hope Church and he belonged to numerous nature organizations. He was a charter member of the Hancock County Naturalists, and a member of the National Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy, Black Swamp Bird Observatory, and the Rieck Center for Habitat Studies.  He was a veteran scouter with the Boy Scouts of America and as of 2012 had served the B.S.A. as a scout and volunteer leader for over 64 years, receiving the Silver Beaver Award in 1981 for distinguished service to youth.  Jerry was an avid birdwatcher, and his hobbies also included traveling, tending to his flower garden, journaling, and spending as much time as possible with his family.  He served in the U.S. Army (Signal Corp) from 1953 to 1955 in the USA and in post-war South Korea.

 He is lovingly remembered as a devoted husband, wonderful father and nature lover.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home in Findlay, Ohio.  There will be a private family viewing and a private family graveside service at Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay, Ohio. 

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.

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