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Portrait of Wyatt Wayne Gildersleeve
In Loving Memory Of

Wyatt Wayne Gildersleeve

October 19, 2004 – February 9, 2024
Lived 19 years
Westlawn Cemetery · Grand Island, NE
Life story

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.

Photos
Photo book

Wyatt’s life, in a printed book

We design every page from Wyatt’s 77 photos. Make it yours, then order a copy for everyone who loved Wyatt.

Lifetime

The world Wyatt knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

2004
Born October 19
2005
Wyatt was 1 when the first video was posted to YouTube
2007
Wyatt was 3 when the first iPhone went on sale
2016
Wyatt was 12 when Pokemon Go sent millions outdoors hunting creatures
2017
Wyatt was 13 when "Fortnite" became a video game phenomenon
2022
Wyatt was 18 when ChatGPT was released to the public
2024
Passed away February 9, age 19
Tributes and memories

5 memories shared

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How are you connected to Wyatt?
Jeanne Webb 95w

Hi Wyatt from Gramma 💛

Stopping by like I often do to just say Hi and tell you I love You sweet boy!! Always see or hear something that tells me you know I’m visiting! You bring peace to my heart❣️ Brought you an ornament earlier this week for your Christmas tree! Thought you would like the Fishmas Tree 🎣🎄😍

Photo shared by Jeanne Webb
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Tracy Schuyler 96w

Merry Christmas

Trey & I stopped by to wish Wyatt a Merry Christmas. Thinking of all of you during this holiday season and sending lots of hugs and prayers your way ♥️! Trey stops by to say hi to his friend often, Wyatt is greatly missed & thought of often. Wishing you peace this Christmas.

Photo shared by Tracy Schuyler
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Tracy Schuyler 120w

Trey & I stopped by to say Hi

Trey and I stopped to say hi to Wyatt today - he is thought about daily. Trey has so many memories of the fun times they shared. Wanted to let you know you all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers ♥️🙏🏼♥️

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Cory Edwardson 126w

What A Beautiful Tribute

What an amazing thing to watch. We sat and smiled and cried. He was the kindest and most beautiful soul.

0 comments
Emily Gildersleeve 126w

Love you sweet boy!

To my sweet boy, you are missed more than words could ever describe! I am so thankful every single day that God allowed me to be your mom, even if it was too short of time. Your heart was so big and your love never failed, you taught me to be a better person, because lord only knows you are and will always be a way better person than I ever will be. I love you bubba, until we meet again!! 💛

1 comment
Jeanne WebbThis is all so beautiful and your words perfect! Love,mom/gram 💕
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Westlawn Cemetery
Grand Island, NE
Plot: 181
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