Fred W. Gillen

Frederick “Fred” William Gillen, age 83, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Wyandot Memorial Hospital.

Fred was born on September 17, 1943, in Upper Sandusky, to Russel W. and Orva (Gemmrig) Gillen. He married Connie Jean Denney on March 31, 1967, at the First Lutheran Church in Upper Sandusky, by Rev. Charles Steward.

Fred is survived by his wife of 59 years, Connie Gillen in Upper Sandusky; 2 sons, Todd (Carol) Gillen of Higganum, Connecticut, Brian (LaCinda) Gillen of Mt. Blanchard; 3 grandchildren, Tya, Taran, and Aidan Gillen; 4 great-grandchildren, 4 step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Richard Gillen, Jackie (Gillen) Walter, Joan (Gillen) Hensel, Edward Gillen, David Gillen, Rosemary (Gillen) Welge, and Sandy Gillen.

Fred graduated from Upper Sandusky High School in 1962 and then went on to serve four years in the U.S. Naval Air Corps as an Aviation Ordnance Specialist during the Vietnam War.

Following Fred’s time in the service, he worked for Crow Motor Sales in Upper Sandusky, where he was a GM paint/body specialist and then went to work for McIntosh/Tower Automotive where he was a maintenance technician and line leader until his retirement.

Fred was very involved in his community. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, where he served on the property committee, several other committees, and on church council. Fred was also a member of F.L.C. Ever Faithful Group Class and served as Vice President, and assistant secretary, Wyandot County Sportsmen Club, as President and Trustee, Wyandot County Jaycees, office holder, American Legion Post #225, and he was a Boy Scouts of America Webelo Den Leader, all in Upper Sandusky.

Fred was a special man, well known, likeable, kind, generous, a donor, helper, and handyman. Fred enjoyed many different hobbies, such as fishing, hunting, camping, traveling, woodworking, gardening, lawn care, electrical, plumbing, watching football, and eating Ballreich Potato Chips. Most of all, Fred was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Fred Gillen’s funeral services will be private, with burial taking place at Old Mission Cemetery, and will be officiated by Pastor Tanyce Addison.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), or Wyandot CARES, and can be sent to Lucas-Batton, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.