Brian Gillespie, 51

Thief River Falls - Brian Noel Gillespie, 51, of Thief River Falls, passed away from a DVT on July 9, 2024 at his residence. Brian Noel Gillespie was born on April 5, 1973 in Thief River Falls, to Neil and Joy (Noel) Gillespie and big brother Steve. Brian was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Growing up he enjoyed cars, bikes, tennis, hockey, hunting, fishing and his friends. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1991. Brian worked at various places in Thief River Falls before moving to St. Cloud to attend St. Cloud Tech. After graduation from St. Cloud Tech, Brian moved to Bloomington, for his first job in computer science. In 2001, he moved back to Thief River Falls and married Toni Dahlen Gillespie on February 23, 2003. To this union two children were born, Cole and Grace. Brian went to work for Tony Dorn for several years and started with Digi-Key in 2004 where he was currently employed as a Senior Test Engineer since 2018. Brian enjoyed music, golfing, cooking, going to concerts, being with friends and family, occasional walks, trying different foods, but most of all, he loved following his kids’ activities. Brian is survived by his children, Cole Gillespie of Henderson, NV and Grace Gillespie of Grand Forks, ND; parents, Neil and Joy Gillespie of Thief River Falls; mother of his children, Toni Gillespie of Grand Forks, ND; brother, Steve Gillespie of Thief River Falls; niece, Elle Gillespie of Anchorage, AK; sister-in-law, Angie Dahlen of Thief River Falls; niece, Dayle Dahlen of Grand Forks, ND; father-in-law, Gary Dahlen of Thief River Falls; and many other relatives, friends, and co-workers. Brian is preceded in death by his grandparents, Orville and Marles Gillespie and Duane and Alverda Noel; aunt, Julie Larson; and mother-in-law, Deb Dahlen. A Celebration of Life was held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a short program at 5 p.m., on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the Thief River Golf Club in Thief River Falls. Condolences may be sent at johnsonfuneralservice.com. A00003B2024JY17