Gregory Winchester Ashburn, 83, of Jefferson, passed away peacefully surrounded by many of his loved ones on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Fort Memorial Hospital. Although his death was sudden, the impact of his life was profound and remains with us all. 

Greg was born on August 26, 1941, in Grand Island, NE, son of Neil and Marjorie (Winchester) Ashburn.  He graduated from Ogden High School in Ogden, UT in 1959. Soon later, Greg met and began dating his future bride, Margery Monogue, in Utah where they both resided at the same boarding house.  Together, they moved back to Jefferson and were married on November 16, 1963, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jefferson, WI. They raised three children: Tania, Todd, and Troy. Marge and Greg loved one another dearly and attribute their strong relationship to their intentional effort to continue “dating” throughout their 61 years of marriage. 

Professionally, Greg began his engineering career as a young draftsman.  Over time, his dedication, understanding, and insistence of perfection led to many future promotions. His work ethic was admirable; he was hard-working with a desire for excellence and efficiency. Greg was successful and a colleague respected by all who knew his work. Greg supported his family working as an Application Engineer in the automotive industry for 40 years and retired from Gilman Engineering in 2003. 

After his retirement, Greg enjoyed helping his son, Troy, with his local business. Greg’s attention to detail and steady nature kept the business organized and on track. Occasionally this led to traveling for supplies, a wonderful excuse to road-trip with Marge all over the state. 

His dedication to precision did not end there. Many of Greg’s hobbies were also an example of his hard work, calculation, and ability. His passion for bowling and golf often showcased his mastery. His wife and family were entirely proud when he rolled a perfect 300 game!   He also enjoyed Star Trek, reading countless novels, and solving a variety of puzzles such as jigsaw, crossword, and sudoku. 

Greg loved spending time with his wife and family. Greg’s dedication to his family was evident by the ways he was present in their lives. Both he and Marge could often be found in the bleachers watching their childrens’ and grandchildrens’ activities. They also took many trips together, near and abroad several times. It was always obvious that he loved his family dearly. Many hours of laughter and stories around the dinner table will be remembered always.   

Greg embodied many admirable qualities, both professionally and personally.  He was calm, patient, gentle, funny, sweet, very intelligent, and a total “detail guy” – all of which are rare qualities in this day and age. His steadfastness produced a strong marriage, confident and able children and grandchildren, and made time spent with others a pleasurable experience for all. 

He will be deeply missed and his family is comforted knowing he lived a full, faithful, and fruitful life and now rests in Heaven.

Greg is survived by: his wife of 61 years, Marge Ashburn of Jefferson; children Tania (Kevin) Wenzel of Jefferson, Todd (Rebecca) Ashburn of Waterloo, and Troy (Penny) Ashburn of Jefferson; grandchildren Jade (Lucas) Tabor, Spencer (Becky) Ashburn, Brett (Liz) Wenzel, Mitchell Wenzel, Todd Ashburn, Jr., Jane Ashburn, and John Ashburn; great-grandchildren Sullinjer, Stehrling, Rudikker, Ruklendt, Mackabee, Mavrik, and Lottie; and a brother Randolf (Annette) Ashburn of Lakewood, CO.  He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Leticia McDowell, and brothers Duke and Rhett Ashburn.

Friends are invited to join the family for a time of food and fellowship on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home in Jefferson. A prayer service to follow, beginning at 6:00 p.m, with Msgr. Donn Heiar presiding. Greg will be entombed at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Jefferson.