Gregory Lee Guillien, age 64, of Caledonia, passed away August 11, 2023, on the farm where he grew up, surrounded by his family and friends. He has battled cancer since January 2022.
Greg was born December 17, 1958, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Leland and Mabel (Jacobson) Guillien. He was raised on the family farm south of Caledonia. Greg attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from Caledonia High School in 1977. He married Lola Rostad on October 6, 1979, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia. Greg was a dairy, pig, and crop farmer. After selling the cows, he worked at Kruckow Rock and Ready Mix. He retired after his diagnosis in January of 2022.
Greg loved horses and had a great knowledge of them, and judged many horse pulls. He made many friendships, especially with the Amish community, through raising and foaling Belgian horses. He greatly enjoyed his time traveling in his motor home with his best friend and uncle, Farrell Guillien, and wife Cheryl. He also treasured his children and grandchildren and spending time on his beloved farm.
Greg was on the Board of Directors for Wilmington Mutual Insurance, and president of the Horse Pullers Association. He was proud to be a part of the Caledonia community and the support from the community has been tremendous.
Sincere appreciation goes to Greg’s brother Vince and sister Mary, for being by my side and being a tremendous help during the weeks and days before his passing.
A special thank you to Darrell Schroeder, Gary Klinski and Denny Reed for their special kindness, support, and love for their “Buddy.” Thank you as well to my special “sisters,” including Sr. Michaeline; all truly heaven-sent.
Abbie, Phillip, and Alex were continued support and will miss their dad greatly.
Greg is survived by his wife Lola, children Abbie Fordahl and her children Nora and Mila; Phillip (Kali) and their children Gentry Grace and Archer; Alex and daughter Lillian, daughter-in-law Lindsey and children Dunkin, Danick, and Devlin; brother Vince (Julie Ann Griffith), sister Mary (Duane) Rhodes, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his son Nick, parents Lee and Mabel Guillien, and beloved uncles and aunts.
A Celebration of Life will be from 11-3 p.m., Saturday, September 16, at the Four Seasons Community Center, 900 N. Kingston St., Caledonia. We hope you can join us in celebrating the full life of Gregory Lee and share stories and happy memories of him. There will be a time of prayer and reflection at 2:30 p.m.. Burial will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia.
The family would like to thank Gundersen Medical Center and Hospice, and Dr. Paul Letendre and staff for their compassionate loving care of Greg.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society will be greatly appreciated.
McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia, assisted the family. Online condolences may be given at mccormickfuneralhome.net.
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