Wayne Cegelske, Commander of the American Legion Post No. 217 in
Gilroy, chaplain of the Veterans of Foreign War Post No. 6309, and
a champion for veterans, died March 13 from complications due to
diabetes. He was 71.
Wayne Cegelske, Commander of the American Legion Post No. 217 in Gilroy, chaplain of the Veterans of Foreign War Post No. 6309, and a champion for veterans, died March 13 from complications due to diabetes. He was 71.
Born in Minnesota, Cegelske joined the Army after high school. During the Vietnam War, he was awarded five bronze stars. After 20 years in the service, he retired.
He was instrumental in getting a monument built at Christmas Hill Park that honors Gilroy’s men and women of uniform.
“He was very reliable and very affectionate,” said his wife, Ursula.
He is survived by his wife Ursula, one sister, six children, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A viewing will take place at 4:30 p.m Monday, with a vigil following at 5:30 p.m. at Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 Fourth St., A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 25 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Gavilan Hills Cemetery.
