Baylee Gordon (Zelickson) passed away at Touchmark on West Prospect on February 28, 2025, where she had resided since 2020. She was born on July 3, 1932. She was preceded in death by husband Bob, and her parents Dinah and Max Zelickson, brother Alvin Zelickson, stepfather Bernie Wolson, sister-in-law Judy Wolson, half-sister Rita Salton and brother-in-law Tom Genda and granddaughter Nicole Gordon.

Baylee grew up on the north side of Minneapolis with her mother, Dinah and father Max Zelickson. Max died in an accident when Baylee was five and Dinah was remarried to Bernie Wolson. In addition to her parents Baylee grew up with her brothers Alvin Zelickson and Elliot Wolson and half-sister Rita Wolson. She also spent considerable time with her close friends Dolly, Molly, and Phyllis. Baylee was valedictorian of her graduating class at Minneapolis North High school.

Baylee began her college education at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where she met her future husband Robert (Bob), who had grown up in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. They married in 1952 and finished college at the University of Minnesota. Baylee was proud of the fact that she was able to complete her degree in Theatre Arts and Speech in three years rather than four, allowing her to graduate with and marry Bob as they finished college.

After graduation Bob joined the army and Baylee joined him in Tokyo Japan for an 18-month tour of duty. She still refers to that time as an 18-month honeymoon. She worked at an advertising firm in Japan and together they enjoyed all the cultural amenities that Japan had to offer.

They returned to Appleton where they began a family.  They raised two sons, Marc and Scott. Baylee began her career as a stockbroker in the early 70's and completed her Certified Financial Planner certification in 1984. She took advantage of "the Market's" hours to work and keep an eye on the two boys before and after school.

Baylee was most proud of the fact that she was a pioneer and one of the first women to work in the industry in Wisconsin, breaking a glass ceiling for women in that profession.  She was appointed to a governor's commission to study the rights of women and minorities in the securities industry.  She also served on several committees and educational forums. Her career goal was to enable the pursuit of financial independence for all individuals through education and action.

In addition to her professional career, Baylee was very active in the Appleton social and community services organizations. She had leadership roles in the Kings Daughters, Junior Women's club, Memorial Hospital (now Thedacare) and Goodwill advisory boards and several other community organizations.

She retired from the industry in 2000, when she and Bob spent half the time in Bonita Springs, Florida where they made new friends and continued their social activities.

Of all her accomplishments and activities, however, Baylee was most proud of her relationship with her family. She was in frequent and meaningful contact with her children and grandchildren (and now great grandchildren). She had a knack for "meeting them where they were" and was able to communicate with them and took an interest in their interests and activities, as they did in hers. Despite the challenges with new technologies, like accidental FaceTime calls in the middle of the night, she maintained and nurtured those relationships until her passing. The grandchildren enjoyed and looked forward to their conversations with her and always learned something new about their family history or life lessons.

Baylee is survived by her sons Marc (Susan), Scott (Jan), seven grandchildren and their five spouses, and 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by sister-in-law Donna Genda and her family in Wisconsin. Donna spent much time with Baylee in the past few years and always included her in holiday celebrations and events. She is also survived by sister-in-law Sue Zelickson and brother Elliot Wolson and their families, primarily in the Twin Cities area.

The family would like to thank the staff and care teams at Touchmark on West Prospect and St. Croix Hospice care for their care and support.

A private graveside service will be held in the Moses Montefiore Cemetery.  Friends and family are invited to join the family in the chapel at Touchmark on West Prospect (2601 Touchmark Drive) at 1:15 on March 6, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, Baylee had requested interested parties make donations to their favorite charities.