Wayne Gittleson

On January 26, 2022, Wayne Walter Gittleson of Aberdeen passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by his wife, three children and their spouses.  He was born on March 25, 1946 of Marvin and Esther Gittleson of Rochelle, Illinois. 

As a sixteen-year-old, Wayne enjoyed living the life of a Montana cowboy for two years before returning to Rochelle to help his sick father.  At 19, he met Patsy (18). They immediately fell in love and married within months.  Wayne served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany, where Patsy joined him. There, they were blessed by the birth of their son, Keith Gittleson. Following his military service, Wayne, Patsy, and Keith returned to Rochelle where Wayne worked as a butcher for Swift.  

In 1976, Wayne and his family moved to Monroe County, where he worked as a maintenance specialist for Kerr McGee Chemical Corporation and was later promoted to Contractor Coordinator.  After 28 years, he retired and then worked for Strickland Construction, Aberdeen Machine Works, and later BASF.  

In his later years, Wayne was never one to sit at home. He used his skills to help maintain Aberdeen Country Club, where he was known for his hard work and likable personality. Everyone who met Wayne was drawn to him.  

Wayne’s most treasured asset was his family.  He taught, leading always by example, the importance of patience, respect for others, committed work ethic, love for each other and to refrain from judgement.  

Wayne enjoyed hunting, woodworking, traveling, and gardening. He frequently assisted his children with numerous challenging projects.  His wisdom, work ethic, and amiable personality made him loved by all.  Wayne’s strong love, wealth of wisdom, which he shared willingly, and commitment to his family leaves a legacy that will impact generations to come.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Kathy Hass, and brother, Kenneth Gittleson.  He leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Patsy Danovsky Gittleson, sons, Keith Gittleson (Rose) of Saltillo, Michael Gittleson (April) of Madison, MS, and daughter, Laura Gittleson West (C.I.) of Hernando, MS. Wayne leaves six grandchildren: Haley West Vargo (Ryan) of Olive Branch, MS, Sophie West, Gavin Gittleson, Caleb Gittleson, and Mason Gittleson. He leaves his late brother, Richard Gittleson as well as his youngest brother, Russ Gittleson.  

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Tisdale Lann Memorial Funeral Home in Aberdeen.  Pallbearers will be Caleb Gittleson, Gavin Gittleson, Mason Gittleson, C.I. West, Keith Gittleson, Mike Gittleson and Ryan Vargo.Burial will follow in Oddfellows Rest Cemetery. 

Visitation will be prior to the service from 11 AM until 12:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your charity of choice.