Agnes Louise Gillespie

Aggie Gillespie, 85, of St. Joseph, passed away surrounded by her family, on Saturday, August 27, 2016. A private family service will take place at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Aggie was born on May 18, 1931 in St. Joseph to Emil & Ida (Jeschke) Reschke. She was their 8th and youngest child. She grew up on their family farm on Hawthorne Avenue and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1949. She married Richard Gillespie, also of St. Joseph, in 1952 and had 8 children. Although being a mom was the most important job in her life, she was also employed by some area companies later in life, such as Whirlpool & Cook Nuclear Plant. Aggie was a lifelong Lutheran, and was an active member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stevensville, MI. She lived in the St. Joseph area her whole life. She was a very talented lady, who was full of creativity! She loved to paint, craft, sew, quilt, and most of all, cook.  She adored her grandchildren and enjoyed sewing for them and making them baby blankets, stuffed animals, dolls, doll clothes etc. Aggie is survived by her eight children: Debbie Gillespie of St. Joseph, Teri Gillespie of Benton Harbor, Cyndi Gillespie of Benton Harbor, Rick (Claire) Gillespie of St. Joseph,  Kelly (Keith) Karsten of St. Joseph, Amy Gillespie of St. Joseph, Nancy (Bill) Smith of St. Joseph, and Jackie (Scott) Nelson of Crystal Lake, IL. She is also survived by her brother Erv (Deana) Reschke of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Joey Whitacre, Bailey Gruss, Taylor and Maddie Zimmerman, Alec and Ellery Karsten, Sydney and Nigel Nelson, Abbie and Matt Gillespie; great-grandson, Logan Casper; and many nieces and nephews.