William "Bill" J. Gilles

William J. “Bill” Gilles of La Crescent. MN died at the La Crescent Nursing Home on Monday, August 14, 2017, a few days after celebrating his 91 ^st birthday. Bill was born August 9 ^th , 1926 to Sylvester and Irene (Kolefsky) Gilles. In 1948 he married Helen (Schultz) Gilles. Helen died in 2012. He is survived by 4 children: Teresa (Richard) Walter, James (Anne) Gilles, Joseph (Anne) Gilles and Michael (Joan) Gilles. He also has 19 Grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren. He loved his family, and helped build their houses, decks, and farms. He was happiest helping others, especially family (brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, children).

Bill is survived by his sisters Joan Viner and Rosemary Malzacher and sister-in-law Yvonne Gilles. He was preceded in death by siblings Colleen and George Gautsch , Jim Gilles, Wayne Viner and Lawrence Malzacher.

Bill graduated from Aquinas High School in La Crosse and attended St John’s University in MN until serving in the army in World War II. He was a consummate citizen. He served as a mail carrier to roughly ½ of La Crescent, his smile and friendliness always visible. He also served as Postmaster in Hokah, MN, and on the La Crescent city council and planning commission. Bill was a long-term member of Crucifixion Church, singing in the choir, serving on the parish council, reading, ushering, or doing anything he could do. He was, until his death, a member of the La Crescent American Legion. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as treasurer for many years. He cared deeply for his neighbors, his community, his church.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday August 18 ^th at the Church of The Crucifixion, La Crescent, MN. Rev. Gregory Havel will officiate. Burial will be in the Crucifixion Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 17 ^th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Crucifixion Church in La Crescent and again on Friday from 9:30 AM until the time of services. Memorials may be given to the La Crescent Library or any charity of your choice.