Wyatt Wayne Gildersleeve

Wyatt Wayne Gildersleeve, age 19, left this life, on Friday, February 9, 2024, leaving a mark on all those lucky enough to have known him. He courageously battled and fought the cancer that took him from us. His smile lit up our lives and will never be forgotten. Service and celebration of Wyatt’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 14, at Third City Christian Church with Reverend Josh Sikes officiating. If possible, in honor of Wyatt, please wear your TeamGilly apparel. There is a visitation at the church on Tuesday, February 13, from 5-7 p.m. Burial will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be left at www.giallfaiths.com. Wyatt and his twin sister, Makenna, were born October 19, 2004, in Grand Island, the children of Jeremy and Emily (Webb) Gildersleeve. Wyatt graduated from Northwest High School, class of 2023. He played football, baseball, was a member of the trap team and the National Honor Society. When one thinks about words to describe Wyatt, many wonderful things come to mind; gentle, kind-hearted, selfless, brave, genuine, thoughtful, and a true definition of full send; always giving 100% in everything he did. Wyatt was truly a remarkable and positive young man. He never wanted anything more than to just blend into the crowd with that true Wyatt grin on his face, then once in a while his quick wit would come shining through at the perfect time. In school, Wyatt would be the one you would find helping others when he got done with his work. He wanted to pursue a teaching degree with an emphasis in Math, in order to give back to others–always looking out for people! When others were not satisfied with their work, Wyatt would remain patient, and persevere with them until they got it right. He worked extremely hard on projects and assignments in order to get them right the first time around. A fond memory that a lot of people still talk about is his Mouse Trap car, which, to this day still holds the record at Grand Island Northwest from his freshman year. Wyatt was so proud of this project! Wyatt was a warrior. He rarely complained about the numerous trips to Omaha, his treatments, blood transfusions, daily medications, and the amount of school he was missing. Wyatt took it all in stride, never wanting to be a burden on anyone else. He finished his Senior year in the top 15% of his class despite all the time in the classroom missed. Wyatt was a friend to many (and never had an enemy), but he only needed a small circle of close friends by his side. Wyatt would always put others before himself. Even though he couldn’t participate in football after his diagnosis, he was on the sidelines supporting his teammates and coaches. Baseball was a love of Wyatt’s from a very young age. He had such a passion for the sport and worked hard to get back on the field after his diagnosis, even though being back on the field after his surgery required him to have numerous layers of protection on his arm to avoid any injury. He never complained, he just wanted to play the game that meant so much to him. He also found a love in shooting sports and excelled at Trap. He was blessed to be a part of the amazing Trap Team with Northwest and was able to shoot with some of his lifelong friends. One of Wyatt’s pride and joys was his boat, which he named the Squeaker Seeker. He received this boat from Make-A-Wish. He loved being out on the lake tubing and fishing. Wyatt would regularly research new fishing techniques and mastered many of them. This allowed him to catch not one, but two Master Angler Largemouth Bass in just one year! Wyatt shared this love of fishing with many friends, hauling the Squeaker Seeker to many different fishing holes. Hopefully, he is on the golden pond catching lots of fish already! Save us a spot at the fishing hole, bud, we will be there when we are done! He wanted his family to have the better things in life and he would take whatever was left. He enjoyed playing games with his family, especially water balloon baseball, which became a family tradition. Wyatt just loved being in the presence of his family and spending time at their second home, the lake! The bond that he had with his twin sister was something special. When they were toddlers, they would pull their cribs together so that they could sleep in the same crib, instead of separately. When Makenna was reluctant to drive anywhere, Wyatt would step in and drive. He loved his family dearly! Wyatt touched so many people with his bravery, calmness, faith, and strength. Above all else, Wyatt will be remembered for having the biggest heart and an infectious smile! Wyatt’s motto was Full Send. Young man, Full Send has been completed, though you never failed, you won the ultimate prize, eternity in Heaven! Rest in Peace our dearest son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend. Those who cherish Wyatt’s memory include his parents, Jeremy and Emily; sister, Makenna; paternal grandfather, Robert (Michelle) Gildersleeve; maternal grandparents; Marvin and Jeanne Webb; several aunts, uncles and cousins; many friends; and his four-legged buddy, Scout. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Deborah (Steve) Williams.

Wyatt Wayne Gildersleeve

October 19, 2004 - February 9, 2024

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Wyatt Wayne Gildersleeve

October 19, 2004 - February 9, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support