Dale P. Gilles passed away on December 31, 2020, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN.

Dale was born June 9, 1948 in Plum City, WI to Alfred and Jeanette (Traynor) Gilles. He graduated from Plum City High School in 1966 and joined the U.S. Navy in January 1967. After serving on the Island of Guam, he spent the rest of his Navy tour on board the USS Iwo Jima LPH-2, where he landed and launched helicopters in combat operations off the coast of Vietnam. The Iwo Jima then became involved in training out of Pearl Harbor for recovery of Apollo 13. He was always proud that he was chosen to launch the helicopter [#66] that picked up the astronauts. Dale married Suzanne Schwab on December 5, 1970, and they started farming in the Plum City area, milking cows until 2015, then raising steers and beef, and then renting out the land.

Dale was raised on the home farm, bought the neighboring farm, and will now rest in peace in Union Cemetery, about a football field away from land where he and Suzanne lived all those years. Dale always gave thanks to God for the many blessings he and Suzanne received through their lives.

Dale is survived by his wife, Suzanne, four children, Douglas (Megan) of Willmar, MN., Robert of Bozeman, MT., Brenda (Chuck) Catt of Eau Claire, James of Eau Claire, five grandchildren, and siblings, Barry (Charleen) Gilles of Stacy, MN., Loren Gilles of Circle Pines, MN., Dean (Sherry) Gilles of Plum City, Dawn Hammes of LaCrosse and Roger (Shirley) Gilles of Plum City.

A Celebration of Life for Dale from 2 pm to 5 pm for family, friends, neighbors and community members that will take place on the Gilles farm.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Lynn Traynor January 16, 2021, at 4:38pm

   I am so very sorry for the loss of Dale. Very nice man

2. Leann Zins Enninga January 10, 2021, at 7:57pm

   We are so sorry for your loss. We wish you peace in cherished memories.

3. Tim and Luann traynor January 9, 2021, at 10:03am

   Very sorry to hear about the passing of Dale

4. Marcia Gilles Paulbick January 6, 2021, at 3:59pm

   To the brothers & sister of Dale Gilles, so sorry to hear aboaut the passing of your brother. Prayers of peace and combort to you all.

5. Pete and Jackie Unser January 5, 2021, at 7:36pm

   Dear Sue and family: We are so sorry for the loss of Dale. He was such a great guy and will be missed by many. Sending healing prayers and hugs to all. Heaven has another angel watching over us. God Bless. ????????

6. Dale Tschumperlin January 5, 2021, at 4:30pm

   So sorry to hear of Dale's passing. A class, special person. To Sue and the family, you have my deepest condolences.

7. Joanne Hovey January 5, 2021, at 9:24am

   Sympathy to all family and friends. Such a big loss. God Bless

8. Twylah Ottman January 4, 2021, at 5:17pm

   So sorry for your loss of Dale. I remember how nice he was to me in school and only being a year ahead of me in school.

9. Kenneth D Eggenberger January 4, 2021, at 4:01pm

   I'm sorry for the passing of Dale. He will always be remembered as a good high school friend. It's been so long ago but if I remember back in school we called him Poncho. Again, my condolences.

10. Michael Holmstadt January 4, 2021, at 3:32pm

    I'm so sorry to hear about Dale. I remember him fondly as a close classmate to Doug, Robert, and Brenda. He was a face we would see often at the school and church, always with a smile...except for once when he scolded us sharply for misbehaving...and then gave us ice cream bars afterward. What a fine example your father was. May the Good Lord welcome him home!

11. David and Leigh Weiss January 4, 2021, at 10:52am

    Dale always had a big smile and a positive attitude. We will miss him. May his soul rest in peace.

12. Wayne Lutz January 4, 2021, at 8:22am

    Very sorry for your loss. Many good times riding snowmobile in the fields growing up. Great neighbor and friend. Always had a great smile and kind words. Rest in peace.

13. Carl D Saueressig January 4, 2021, at 8:13am

    So sorry for your loss

14. Mary and Tom Baier January 3, 2021, at 7:45pm

    We are so sorry for your loss Dean and Roger. Thinking of you at this sad time. Tom and Mary Baier

15. Patsy Hammel-Chilson January 3, 2021, at 6:58pm

    I am so sorry and sad to hear about Dale's passing. My parents were very good friends of the Fritz Gilles family. So sorry Suzanne, family and the Gilles family.

16. Diane Welsh January 3, 2021, at 6:22pm

    We are sorry for your loss. It is always so hard to lose a loved one. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
    Diane (Traynor) and Randy Welsh

17. Angeline Kivi January 3, 2021, at 4:46pm

    My deepest sympathies in this time of loss. Prayers for all.

18. Duane & Cindy Bauer January 3, 2021, at 1:15pm

    So sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers for Peace and Comfort for all of his family. We didn't know him personally, but he is a neighbor to our daughter (Jacqui Steele) and she has high regard for him.

19. Marlos Lutz January 3, 2021, at 1:11pm

    So sorry to hear of Dale's passing, missed his wave and smile when we moved to Durand. Suzanne, hope you and the kids find comfort. My prayers are with you.

20. Philip Tschumperlin January 3, 2021, at 12:43pm

    To the Gilles family, sorry for your loss. I have a lot of good memories growing up "next door" to Barry, Loren, Dean, Dawn, Dale & Roger. May he rest in peace.

21. Lynette Livingston January 3, 2021, at 12:36pm

    Brenda,
    Your Dad really had some amazing experiences! Thinking of you and your family and praying your memories comfort you during this difficult time.

22. Sister Joan Weisenbeck January 3, 2021, at 7:51am

    May you experience God’s comfort and peace as you mourn the loss of Dale. Blessings!

23. Bridgett Diers January 2, 2021, at 7:56pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our condolences,

    Bridgett and Keith Diers (daughter and son-in-law of Amy Comee)

24. Patricia Frion January 2, 2021, at 7:47pm

    So very sorry for your loss

25. Wanda Traynor January 2, 2021, at 6:49pm

    Suzanne and family. So sorry of Dale death. I remember when we were on farm on top of hill, every time we went to town and he was out near barn or crossing the road, he always had the biggest wave and smile for us. He was a very good man and hard worker. He will be missed

26. Joe Gilles January 2, 2021, at 6:14pm

    Dale was a very special man that was very caring about everything. May you rest peacefully Dale, you will be missed by many.

27. Joe & Sarah Lawrence January 2, 2021, at 3:09pm

    We are so sorry to hear of Dale's passing. Our thoughts and prayers for peace, comfort, and rest for your family.

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