Rex and Arlene Gillen

Rex and Arlene Gillen

At the time of Arlene’s death in March of 2003, an initial gift of 2.9 million was given to the Roscommon County Community Foundation and The Rex and Arlene Gillen Scholarship Fund was established.

This scholarship fund will assist with the education of students graduating from Houghton Lake High School, Home Schooled or at private school who have a C+ (2.25) GPA and reside in Denton and Roscommon Townships, of Roscommon County.

Rex & Arlene met while students at Central Michigan College and were married nearly 58 years before Rex died suddenly in 1994. Arlene & Rex knew the importance of education and built a comfortable life as a result of their education and hard work.

The Gillens were a quiet couple. Contentment for Rex was community involvement and occasionally fishing in Houghton Lake’s East Bay. Arlene found enjoyment with her love for antiques and her close circle of friends.

Both Rex and Arlene had a great love for their community’s children, not having any of their own. Seeing a need for students in their community to continue their education beyond high school, Rex and Arlene made the decision to leave the bulk of their estate to the children of their community.