Doug Gilmore, age 73 of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.

Doug was born on September 14, 1939 in Beaver Dam to Nelson and Jeanette (nee Krause) Gilmore. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1957, where he enjoyed playing football and basketball. On May 21, 1961 he was united in marriage to Bonnie Baker and together they were blessed with four children.

Sparking his interest at a young age, his father introduced him to the grocery business. Eventually, Doug and his wife, Bonnie, owned and operated Gilmore's Piggly Wiggly in Beaver Dam together for 41 years before retiring in 2008. Doug was extremely passionate about the store, his employees, and his customers. Being very hands-on, there wasn't a single aspect of the grocery store that Doug didn't help out with, and he also trained every employee that worked for him. He received the Excellence in Operations Award from the Wisconsin Grocers Association. Doug was very active in the Beaver Dam community, generously giving back in any way that he could.

One of Doug's greatest joys was traveling, whether it was a business trip, vacationing with his family or a gambling bus trip. Doug also enjoyed theatre, with a particular liking of Phantom of the Opera. The Elvis station was always tuned-in on his XM Radio dial, and he also liked reading biographies and books about sports. Doug was an avid sports fan, dedicated to all Wisconsin sports teams, even enjoying the bitter cold of Lambeau Field for the Ice Bowl.

Doug is survived by his children, Darren Gilmore of Milltown, WI, Leah (Mark) Weber of Beaver Dam, Melissa (Mark) Richie of Beaver Dam, and Mary Gilmore of Rock Hill, SC; his granddaughter, Kayla (Ben) Larson of Beaver Dam; his sister-in-law, Caroline Gilmore of Beaver Dam; and his brother-in-law, Jerry Polzin of Beaver Dam. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was recently preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie on June 23, 2013, as well as his parents; his sister, Gaye Polzin; his brother, Gary Gilmore and other relatives.

Visitation for Doug will be held on Monday, July 29, 2013 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. with Chaplain Dennis Richards officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery, Beaver Dam.

Memorials in Doug's name may be directed to Hillside Hospice, 707 S. University Ave., Beaver Dam; Hillside Manor, 803 S. University Ave., Beaver Dam or Green Valley Enterprises, 1223 Madison St., Beaver Dam.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.