John Gillies

A funeral service celebrating the life of John S. Gillies, 65, of Sauk Centre will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre with Pastor Micah Rouser leading the service. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and continue till the time of the service. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Sauk Centre. John passed away peacefully August 26 at his home in Sauk Centre, surrounded by his family.

John Stephen Gillies was born January 27, 1953 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Henry "Hank" and Delores (Albrecht) Gillies. On August 11, 1972, John was united in marriage to Bernice Rosalia Hellermann at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. John made his living as an over-the-road semi-truck driver, earning recognition for being a "Million Mile Safe Driver". Following his driving career, John worked at WalMart in Sauk Center for nine and a half years. Fishing and hunting, along with spending time with his family brought him great joy. He enjoyed a good game of chess or cribbage. Cooking, listening to music, and being a storm watcher also occupied his time.

John is survived by his wife of 46 years, Bernice of Sauk Centre; children, Bonnie (Tim) Walter of Sauk Centre, Roger (Deb) McGowan of Coon Rapids, Jessie (Cale) Burgess of Melrose and Mary (Edward) Mathewes of Sauk Centre; 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; brothers, Paul Gillies of St. Augusta and David (Amber) Gillies of California; and many "adopted" children.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Delores Gillies; infant brother, Mark; infant sister, Kathleen; father and mother-in-law, Al and Helen Hellermann; one sister-in-law, Leah Gillies; many aunts and uncles; and his grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Serving as casket bearers will be John Neussendorfer, Jordan Kohnen, Rog Kilanowski, Mike Koroll, Mike Blonigen, and David Blaskowski.