Daniel Christ Gillespie

November 15, 1958 – September 11, 2026

Daniel lived for 30 years in rural Hitterdal, MN. He graduated from Audubon High School in 1977. Following high school, he served in the U.S. Army from 1977 – 1979 in the 4th Engineer Battalion during active duty.

Over the years, Dan worked as an L.P.N. As a nurse, Dan worked at Dakota Hospital in Fargo, ND, and Viking Manor in Ulen, MN. He also drove semi-truck for over 40 years. Dan married Joanne Strom on December 5, 1981, in Detroit Lakes, MN. They were married for nearly 45 years.

Dan was a Patriot Life member of the National Rifle Association and loved target shooting. He was also a life member of the Western Minnesota Stream Threshers Reunion at Rollag. He was an “O” gauge train collector, enjoyed Mopar Cars and especially his ’57 Bel Air 200 Wagon.

Dan died on Friday, September 11, 2026, at HIA Heather’s House in Fargo, ND, surrounded by his loved ones.

Dan was non-denominational, but was a born-again Christian, studying his King James Bible ad several Bible commentaries. He loved God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Every morning between 4 and 5 AM, he prayed for his country, others, and mostly his family, which he wanted them to have a personal relationship with the Lord.

Dan is survived by his loving wife, Joanne; children, Eric (Kara) Gillespie of Horace, ND, Jeffrey (Alicia) Gillespie of Audubon, MN, Jennifer (Cameron) Gulleson of Rutland, ND, Kristina Moen of Mayville, ND, Peter Gillespie of Mayville, ND, Kevin (Heather) Gillespie of Fargo, ND, Jessica Gillespie of Hitterdal, MN, Jason (Sydney) Gillespie of Rutland, ND, Liam (Jordain Bonn) Gillespie of Milnor, ND, Wade (Bailey Adams) Gillespie of Fargo, ND; 12 grandchildren; and siblings, Wanda Livingston, Bud (Irma) Gillespie, Sandy (Kristie) Gillespie, Randy (Michelle) Gillespie, Annette Gillespie, and Renee (Laura) Gillespie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Gillespie, Sr. and Winnifred Gillespie.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 19, from 12:00 - 1:00 PM, followed be the funeral service at 1:00 PM, at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.

Interment will be at Hamden Cemetery, rural Lake Park, MN.