Edward Gilles Obituary

Edward L. Gilles, 80, of Frontenac, died Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015 at Mayo Clinic Health System - Lake City Care Center.

He was born on June 4, 1935 in Plum City, Wis., to Leonard and Elvira (Johnson) Gilles. He grew up and attended schools in the Plum City area. Over the years, he worked at the Red Wing Shoe Company, Red Wing Sewer Pipe, Bay State Mill, and finally the S.B. Foot Tannery until his retirement. He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Belvidere. He also raced on the Hiawatha Speedway and owned and operated his own junk yard. He loved hunting, camping, and fishing with his grandkids and going to old car shows.

He is survived by his five children, Diana Stewart of Red Wing, Cindy (Jason) Whitmore of Red Wing, Tammie (Craig) Mueller of Lake City, Bradley (Jole) Gilles of Frontenac, and Francis Gilles of St. Paul; one step-son, Rick (Cathy) Osness of Dassel, Minn.; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Ken Gilles of Welch, Calvin (Mae) Gilles of Diamond Bluff, Wis., and Richard Gilles of Red Wing; two sisters, Barb (Duane) Hugo of Mora, Minn. and Margaret (Jerry) Schmitz of Goodhue; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; parents and one grandchild.

Funeral service was Tuesday, Nov. 10, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Belvidere with Rev. Scott Fiege officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel in Red Wing handled arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.