Kenneth “Ken” C. Gilles, 85, of Medford, passed away on
Sunday, November 10, 2019 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford.
Ken was born in the town of Halsey, in Marathon County,
on January 13th 1934 to Joseph and Helen (Fink) Gilles. Ken later grew up
on Hwy C where he farmed and logged with his Father, Mother, brothers and
sisters. In February 11 of 1953 he married his wife Bonita Heier; they
went on to have 11 children together. Bonita preceded Ken in death on November
25, 2015.
During Ken's career he farmed with his wife until 1972.
Ken went into the logging business; Gilles Brothers' with his brother Manny and
their sons. After selling the logging business in 1990, Ken went on to be
an operator engineer for Strue, Mannix, Hanz, Hoffman, Reliance, and other
construction companies until his retirement. Ken was a member of the local
union 139.
Ken loved the outdoors especially the woods, ask him
anything about trees and he would tell you about the history of that species.
Ken also loved going on daily walks.
Ken will be remembered for his amazing stories he wrote
and told his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Ken talked
in great depth about his childhood memories and always stated he would not
change one day of his life. Before his death he wrote and had a note book
printed called North Of North some stories true from his childhood and some
fictional, all of which are great stories. In Ken's thirties he wrote two songs
that were recorded and put on vinyl, Crying All Over and Dream So Blue.
Ken loved watching sports especially because he played
baseball as a pitcher in his younger days.
Ken loved his family his children, grandchildren, great
grandchildren, his brothers and sisters who he talked about quite often. Ken
was a wonderful father and will be missed and loved by his children,
grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Ken is survived by
his children Deb May, Kenny Gilles, Peggy (Ken) Lichtl, Kelly (Mark) Schmitz, Pat (Darla)
Gilles, Susan (Mark) Staab, Tami Bansemer, Todd Gilles, Amy (Bud) Hahn, and Lee
Gilles; 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; siblings, Manny Gilles,
John (Loretta) Gilles, Aggie (Ervin)
Graf, Mike (Sherry) Gilles, and Judy (Art) Pernsteiner. Ken is further survived
by many other family and friends.
In addition to his wife and parents Ken was preceded in
death by a son Timothy Gilles; grandchildren, Jeremy Gilles, Joshua Schmitz,
and Abraham Gilles; brother, Joseph Gilles, sister, Margie Sperl.
A Funeral Mass for Ken will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic
Church on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 11:00 AM, with Father Patrick
McConnell officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Thursday, November
14, 2019 from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at 11:00 AM.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford & Rib Lake is assisting
the family with arrangements. For online condolences, please visit
hemerfuneralservice.com.
