Obituary of Raymond D. Gill

Dr. Raymond Daniel Gill, or “Doc” as he was known to many around Coralville, died February 3rd from complications of COVID-19 at the age of 95. Ray was born February 6, 1925 in Brooklyn, New York to Andrew and Catherine (Callahan) Gill. He was the oldest of three children, with younger sisters Eileen and Muriel. As a teenager, he graduated early from high school to enlist in the United States Navy to serve as a Medic during World War II. While working at a Navy hospital, he met nurse Jeanette Wood. Jen was his superior and the two were not supposed to date, but they found a way. The two were wed December 9, 1944 in Williamsburg, VA. Following the completion of his service, the couple moved back to Jen’s hometown of Corwith, Iowa where they had two sons, Thomas (Tom) and William (Bill). Ray completed his undergraduate degree at Drake University, followed by Dental School at the University of Iowa. After graduation, the couple moved their family to Coralville and opened the first dental practice in town in 1956. The Coralville Dental Office, which still sits on 10th Avenue, was the first and only building on a then dirt road. He and Jen settled into their home a few blocks away and welcomed their daughter, Margaret. Ray invested his little free time into his community, including becoming a member of the Coralville School Board. He was an advocate for having Coralville join the Iowa City School District. He was proud to have both of his sons join his practice and enjoyed many years working alongside them. He retired after nearly 50 years of dentistry. He and Jen enjoyed a quiet life in Coralville, where Ray worked on cars and projects around the house. Ray eventually became Jen’s full-time caregiver through her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. In his later years, Ray became an avid mall-walker and would often tell stories of the people he met at Target and Panera. He was a friend to everyone. He loved his independence and remained in his home until he became ill this winter. One of Ray’s joys in life was always having his family close, being able to see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. In lieu of flowers please direct donations to Coralville Central Elementary School (501 6th St. Coralville, IA 52241). Ray was an adamant supporter of public education and a proud parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent of Coralville Central alumni. Ray is survived by his children, Tom (Deb) Gill, Bill Gill, and Margaret (Dave) Mellecker, all of Coralville; eight grandchildren, Doug Grubb, Mary (Quinton) Garner, Rachel Gill (Todd McAllen), Maggie Gill (Michael Stefanik), Dan (Wendy Conley) Gill, Kelly Mellecker (Emil Bergh), Chloe (Paul) Butler, Lisa Mellecker (Michael Considine); and nine great-grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Gill; daughter-in-law, Kathy Gill; and granddaughter, Annie Gill. Ray will be laid to rest with Jen in Stuart, Iowa. To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com