Jan Gillespie, a co-founder of Rawhide Boys Ranch, passed away in her home on Wednesday January 25, 2017, according to news release from the organization.
During Jan’s tenure at Rawhide with her husband John, Rawhide Boys Ranch became a nationally- recognized, non-profit organization providing residential care to at-risk boys from throughout Wisconsin.
John and Jan Gillespie were joined by Green Bay Green Bay Packers Quarterback Bart Starr and his wife, Cherry as co-founders.
Jan served as a Housemother at Rawhide for 27 years to over 350 boys, according to the organization. During her tenure, boys from throughout Wisconsin were referred to Rawhide and would live on-grounds for periods of four months up to two years of their lives.
Leaders with the group say she was instrumental in providing care and direction to teens in need of the unconditional love that she provided to them.
Funeral arrangements will include visitation from 9 – 11 a.m., memorial service at 11 a.m. and lunch following at 12 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2017 at Appleton Alliance Church. The family has asked that those interested in lieu of flowers can support a memorial to Jan Gillespie that has been established at Rawhide Boys Ranch to support the building of a home on the grounds at Rawhide, contributions can be made online at www.rawhide.org or mailed to:
Rawhide c/o Jan Gillespie Memorial
E7475 Rawhide Road
New London, WI 54961
