Norman Latimer Gillette

Gillette Norman Latimer Gillette, Jr., 61, of Rochester, died Tuesday, May 20, 2003 from complications of pancreatic cancer at the Charter House Mayo Hospice Residence. Gillette, Jr. was born February 23, 1942 in La Crosse, WI. Gillette, Jr. was a long standing businessman in the Rochester, Mankato, MN and La Crosse areas serving as Co-Chairman of the Board with his sister Norma J. Vinger of the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company founded by his father Norman L. Gillette, Sr. in 1937. Gillette, Jr. also continued his father's legacy of charitable community support through his companies' far reaching community involvement, his personal philanthropic endeavors and the Gillette Family Foundation. He was active in supporting The Gift of Life Transplant House. He was passionate about the arts in the Rochester area through his support of the Rochester Choral Arts Ensemble. He was also a devoted member of Zumbro Lutheran Church. He recently established the Norma J. Vinger Center for Breast Care at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse to honor his sister, a breast cancer survivor, and to thank her for donating her kidney to extend his life in 1968. Gillette, Jr. was among the first successful kidney transplant recipients at the Mayo Medical Center. He enjoyed spending time on Lake Ida in Alexandria, MN, boating, fishing and playing cards. He loved the time he spent oceanside in Sarasota, FL, but most of all he cherished the moments he had with his family and friends. Gillette, Jr. is survived by his former wife, Susan Meir-Gillette; his children, Sarah (Mrs. Daniel) O'Brien, Marie Gillette-Thoe (Janet Martin), Richard (Lisa) Gillette; his grandchildren, Stephen and Michael O'Brien, Mathew Gillette, Erika Gillette-Thoe, Alex Gillette, Laura and Annie McGinnis; his sister, Norma (Mrs. Donald) Vinger; and his nephews, Eric Vinger, and Chris (Kelly) Vinger and many very special friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Norman L. Gillette, Sr. and his mother, Jean E. Martin-Gillette. The funeral service will be held at Zumbro Lutheran Church on Friday May 23, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. with the burial following at Oakwood Cemetery East. Friends and family may call Thursday May 22, 2003 between the hours of 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Macken Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church. The family asks that contributions be made in the memory of Norman L. Gillette, Jr. to The Gift of Life Transplant House, Zumbro Lutheran Church or Mayo Hospice.

Published on May 22, 2003