September 16th, 2018 marked our 20th Annual Gillenkirk Family Reunion. In the earlier years of the reunion, we had numbers of over 100 people attending. In the last few years that number has dwindled down to about 35 – 60 and most of my immediate family, dependents of my grandparents Norma and Vince make up that number although most say it was a success. 

Over the years people have felt or commented that it’s just a ploy to “ask for money” when in fact I have been using my personal funds to ensure that there is a decent reunion as the other fundraisers as 50/50 and item raffles have dwindled to nothing in comparison to the early years. Donating is necessary for the location and the basics we provide. 

The interest in the Euchre and Uno tournaments, as well as the kids’ games,  have dwindled as well. 

With the advancement of technology we have been able to see into each other’s lives and on a daily basis that wasn’t there before but it’s always awesome to get together when it’s possible, Therefore, we feel that this isn’t goodbye and we will likely plan a Gillenkirk Reunion again but at this time it will no longer be annual.

At such time we plan another reunion, we will discontinue using the postal service and will be using Facebook and the www.gillenkirk.com website for any additional updates.