IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Bradley Michael

Bradley Michael Gillam Profile Photo

Gillam

December 4, 1958 – April 19, 2025

Obituary

Bradley Michael Gillam, age 66, passed away unexpectedly on April 19, 2025, due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis. He was born December 4, 1958, in Columbus Ohio. Though most recently residing in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, Brad was a longtime resident of the Belleville/New Glarus area.

Brad is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 39 years, Sheila; his daughters, Carly (Thomas) Stuessy, who are expecting Brad's first grandchild in July, and Greer (Charles O'Connor) Gillam; his mother, Lois Smith; his brother, Todd (Linda) Gillam, brother-in-law, Eric (Stacie) Westerhausen, sisters-in-law Andrea Russell, CeCe Zimmerman, Sydney Campbell, Libby (Kevin) MacDonald, and a large, loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Nicholas Gillam Jr.; stepfather, Jerry Smith; in-laws, Joan and Jerry Westerhausen; sister-in-law, Lise "Tutti" Westerhausen, and niece, Shauna Ward.

Brad enjoyed a long and fulfilling career at Lands' End, where he served as Vice President of Quality and Sourcing before retiring in 2004. Even decades after his time there, Brad maintained close friendships with former colleagues—a testament to his magnetic personality and the lasting impression he made wherever he went.

Brad had many interests, including a lifelong love for aviation, and earned his private pilot's license as a young man. He was endlessly fascinated by weather and loved tracking storms from his favorite perch—his cherished home on the hill in New Glarus. He was known to put on a massive fireworks display every 4th of July at this same spot, for all in the neighborhood to enjoy.

A passionate golfer, Brad was the founding member of the "Gilly Golf Group" and relished his Saturday tee times at Pleasant View Golf Course. His quick wit, dry sense of humor, and kind, generous spirit made him instantly beloved by all who knew him.

Brad lived with an insidious Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis for nearly thirty years. Though it eventually took his ability to walk eighteen holes at the golf course or bike thirty miles on a sunny afternoon, it never touched his upbeat personality, sharp sense of humor, or steady positivity. He faced his illness with grace, courage, and a quiet strength that inspired those around him.

Above all, Brad was meant to be a dad. He poured his heart into making life magical for his daughters and his legacy of love, laughter, and thoughtfulness will live on in them.

A private funeral service will be held, with the assistance of Becker Beal Funeral Home in Belleville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National MS Society, Wisconsin Chapter, in Brad's memory.

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