Leading Gillett’s Fourth of July parade this year will be a couple well known for taking an active approach to community.
Since moving from Door County nearly half a century ago, Jay and Rachel Weckler have been living and serving alongside others from the Gillett community.
“One of the reasons why we stuck around for 47 years is because when we first moved here we didn’t know anybody, but in a short amount of time, we were part of the Gillett family,” Jay Weckler said.
Jay and Rachel Weckler have served in public education and coached various school sports.
Jay Weckler served the Gillett School District as a special needs teacher for 14 years and coached football and wrestling for 12 years. He has also served 10 years as a special needs consultant for five area school districts, including Suring, Bonduel, Wabeno and Menominee Indian School District.
Rachel served the Gillett School District as a reading specialist assistant for 20 years and coaching junior high volleyball for six years. Rachel Weckler has been an active board member of the Gillett Public Library for eight years, serving as treasurer.
“We’re just ecstatic that somebody thought enough of what we do here in Gillett to have us be the representatives of the parade,” Jay Weckler said. “But there are so many other people that are deserving, also.”
Jay and Rachel Weckler have a willing heart and a reputation for leadership.
When the Gillett area needed a hunter education class, Jay worked hard to establish a program. Jay Weckler taught the class for 25 years. He is also an active and working member of Gillett Civics Club and the current president of the Finnegan Lake Walleye Club. He has also had active rolls in the council of St. John’s Catholic Church of Gillett, serving as president of the council for 10 years.
Rachel Weckler was an instrumental board member of Sunshine Child Care Center during its start-up and fundraising campaign. She also served 12 years as organizer of the WE Believe Program, a program that helps local families in need during the Christmas season.
“The community here, even though it’s a very small community, anytime that there is a fundraiser, or a family in need, or a need for donations, we can always count on the families (of Gillett) to help other families,” Jay Weckler said.
Jay and Rachel Weckler have been married for 51 years, raising two children, Matthew and Shannon. They each intend to dial back their community involvement in the coming years and are looking forward to enjoying their sunset years in Door County.
“There are so many great people here,” Jay Weckler said. “It’s just an honor for Rachel and I to be nominated for the parade.”
Among those most excited for the parade are the Wecklers’ four grandchildren — Colton, Walker, Madison and Mason — who are proud to have their very own grandparents as honored grand marshals.
“Yankee Doodle Dandy” is the parade theme, and the parade kicks off at 2 p.m. July 4 .
First in line for Gillett Independence Day
