Kenneth J. “Kenny” Gilles

1954-2022

Kenneth J. “Kenny” Gilles, 67, of Medford, died Wednesday, Mar. 2, 2022 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau. A funeral mass was held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Mar. 8 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford with Fr. Patrick Mc-Connell officiating. Burial followed at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m, Tuesday at the church. A rosary service was held at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, also at the church.

Kenny was born on Sept. 16, 1954 to Ken and Bonita (Heier) Gilles, and was the eldest son of their 11 children. Kenny graduated in 1972 from Medford Sr. High.

After high school, he worked for Gilles Brothers logging and Hanz Construction, along with various other construction jobs. In 2001, Kenny started a sawmill that he owned and operated with his son Abe. Kenny’s son Abe died in 2011, and one year later just shy of one week of his son’s death, the sawmill burned down. After that, Kenny worked skidding and bulldozing for various jobs. Kenny retired in 2017 and worked as a grader operator for the town of Goodrich until his death.

Our brother had an amazing work ethic, you could find him on any given day working…he was always doing something. In his younger days, Kenny was a bit mischievous, his family and friends often teased him about having nine lives!

Kenny loved to do anything outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener. He loved watching and tending to his garden, the fruits of his labor. He also enjoyed motorcycling and snowmobiling.

The greatest love was for his son Abe and his grandson Ryder. After Abe’s death, he looked forward to spending time with Ryder, whom he adored and loved. Kenny also had a great love for his faith, the Catholic Church, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He prayed the rosary every day, and read the bible and many other books of faith.

Kenny will be truly missed by his brothers and sisters, grandson, and many nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his sisters, Debra May, Peggy (Kenny) Lichtl, Kelly (Mark) Schmitz, Susan Staab, Tamara Bansemer, and Amy (Bud) Hahn; his brothers, Pat (Darla) Gilles, Todd Gilles, and Lee Gilles.

He was preceded in death by his son Abe; his parents, Ken and Bonnie; and his brother, Timothy Gilles.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

Paid Obituary 117809