Daniel Gilles

Daniel (Dan) Gilles, age 57, of Backus, passed away on June 23, 2015, at the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center after a long and hard struggle with Lewey Body Dementia. Dan was born on December 18, 1957, in Breckenridge, MN, to Florence (Conzemius) and Marion Gilles. Dan was a very young boy when Marion passed away. Later Florence married Kenneth Petersen and from then on Kenneth became "Dad" to Dan.

After high school graduation, Dan attended Vo-Tech in Pipestone, MN, where he graduated as a licensed meat cutter. After marrying Nancy Woodruff, he worked at Durkee Manufacturing until it closed. Dan then went to work for Woodland Containers where he made wooden cable reels, which he loved doing. Dan was a hardworking, loyal, "always there" person. He loved sports and was avid as a participant or a spectator.

Dan was preceded in death by his father, Marion Gilles, his grandparents, mother-in-law and father-in-law.

Dan is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons, Joe Woodruff (Cheryl), Jason Gilles; grandson, Devon Woodruff; his parents, Florence and Kenneth Petersen; brothers and sisters: John Gilles, Bruce Gilles, Christie Gilles, Kenny Gilles (Cindy), Ted Petersen (Laurie), Karen Banken (Randy), Glenn Petersen (Chris), Keith Petersen (Brandy), Julie Proctor (Ryan); and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be 2 PM on Sunday, June 28, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hackensack. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.