Henry "Hank" Joseph Gilson, Jr.

Henry "Hank" Joseph Gilson, Jr., age 82, of the Town of Nasewaupee, passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay.

He was born April 28, 1943 in Sturgeon Bay to Henry and Elva (Bley) Gilson. Hank graduated from Sevastopol High School with class of 1961. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Army, entering into active service on November 12, 1964. Hank was honorably discharged from the Army on November 10, 1966 and remained on Reserve availability until November 11, 1970. Through his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and received Marksman (rifle) recognition.

On May 5, 1973, Hank was united in marriage to Deborah Lynn Cihlar in Sturgeon Bay. They were blessed with two sons, Henry "Joe" and Jeff.

Hank worked for his father-in-law, Paul Cihlar, at Cihlar Construction. He and his brother-in-law, Randy, purchased the company and renamed it C & G Construction. After many years, it became Gilson Construction. Hank remained in business over 25 years before retiring and selling his company. During that time, he also opened and closed the graves for casket vault burials in the Ephraim Moravian Cemetery; Baileys Harbor Town Cemetery; St. Mary's of the Lake Cemetery in the Town of Baileys Harbor; St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Juddville; Egg Harbor Town Cemetery; St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Town of Egg Harbor; St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in the Town of Jacsonport; Zion Ev. Lutheran Cemetery in West Jacksonport; St. John Ev. Lutheran Cemetery in Valmy; Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Institute; St. Joseph Cemetery in the Town of Sevastopol; Bayside Cemetery in the Town of Sevastopol; and Hainesville Cemetery in the Town of Nasewaupee.

Hank was a longtime, active, and beloved member of the Forestville-Maplewood Lions Club, through which, he was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Award. One of his favorite fundraisers with the club was their Sportsmen's Night Out. Hank definitely lived out the Lions Club motto, "We serve." Besides volunteering, Hank enjoyed collecting coins and sports cards and was an avid (Lions Club) pin trader. He was a sports fan and outdoorsman who liked hunting and fishing.

Hank will be missed by his wife of 52 years, Deborah; his sons, Joe Gilson, and Jeff Gilson; grandchildren, Henry Gilson, IV, and Darion Zoromski; and sisters, Karen Ash, and Janet Gilson. He is further survived by other relatives; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rochelle; and brother-in-law, James Ash.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Huehns Funeral Home, 1414 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 with Pastor Carl Schroeder officiating. Military honors by the United States Army and the George W. Goetz Forestville American Legion Post 372 will follow at the funeral home.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Huehns Funeral Home on Sunday, November 16, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Monday from noon until 1:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given in Henry's name to the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin (5003 Tradewinds Parkway, Madison, WI 53718; https://lebw.org/give/).

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Hank may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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