Peggy A. Gillett, age 73, of Tomah, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Serenity House in Tomah. She was born on December 29, 1951, to Warren and Ruth (Jensen) Gillett where she spent her childhood growing up in Warrens, most notably picking strawberries at the family’s beloved “Gillett Strawberry Patch”.
Peggy was united in marriage to Steve Witt in November of 1968. To this union, they had three children, Deanne Marie, Krista Jean, and Steven Warren, and raised them in Tunnel City. Although they parted ways, she remained in Tunnel City until meeting her second husband, Dave Neu, where she moved to Brilion and they married in 1990.
Peggy’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her community and her innate ability to care for others. Her career path was diverse and impactful, beginning at the Chamber of Commerce, and then transitioning to a managerial role at Don’s Plumbing and Gilson’s Appliance Store. Yet, perhaps her most fulfilling role was managing a group home for the developmentally disabled, where she not only provided a safe and loving environment for the residents but also became an advocate for their well-being, often going above and beyond to ensure they had everything they needed to thrive.
It brought her so much joy to see her grandchildren and eventually great grandchildren as they would grow up. She was not your average cookie cutter grandma who would bake cookies with you or show you her latest and greatest recipe book. She was the type of grandmother who would tell you about the latest murder trial, or her strong conspiracy theories.
Prior to Peggy being transferred to the Serenity House, her daughter, Krista, lovingly constructed an apartment for her within her own home, affectionately dubbed the “penthouse.” This space became a sanctuary for Peggy, a place where she could enjoy the company of her loved ones. The penthouse years were a time of reconnection and reflection, as friends and family members seized the opportunity to spend precious moments with Peggy, creating memories that would be treasured forever.
Peggy’s interests were a mirror to her character. A true caregiver at heart, she was the epitome of selflessness, always prioritizing the needs of others above her own. Friends and family remember that you could never catch Peggy having a bad day; she faced life’s challenges with grace, a smile on her face and an unwavering positive outlook that was both inspiring and comforting to those around her. Generous, selfless, and kind are the words that best describe Peggy. Her legacy is one of love, service, and the gentle strength that comes from a lifetime of putting others first. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her, as she touched countless lives with her compassionate nature and her endless capacity for empathy.
She is survived by her children, Deanne Witt-Brand, Krista (Rich Larsen) Witt, and Steve W. Witt; grandchildren, Vanessa (Kyle) Wilder, Brandon (Kaci) Witt, Jessica (Eric) LaFave, Nolan (Megan Franklin) Brand, Gavin (Hannah Soltvedt) Brand, Bryson Witt, Devin Harazmus, Kayla and Amanda Witt; 8 great grandchildren; siblings, Wayne (Nancy) Gillette, Laura (David) Witt, Amanda (David) Johnson, Brenda (Richard) Worthington and Warren Gillett. She is further survived by many other close cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In addition to her mother and father, she is preceded in death by her brother, Dennis Gillette, her sister, Nancy (Ronald) Schindel, a sister-in-law, Joyce Gillette, nieces, Rebecca Gillette Arttus and Michelle Gillette Edgerton, and a great nephew Kyle Burkhalter.
Family and friends are invited for a graveside gathering on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 10:30 a.m. at the Dannavang Cemetery in Warrens. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Peggy’s family would like to extend an extremely heartfelt thank you to the Serenity House for caring for her in her final weeks of life!
Torkelson Funeral Home
