Bernadine S. (Hanson) Gilles

Bernadine S. (Hanson) Gilles

passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, February 11, 2019 at the age of 93. Bernadine was born in Lake Hallie, Wisconsin on December 16, 1925 to Alice F. (Phillips) and Axel W. Hanson. Bernadine married Bernard C. Gilles on August 20, 1946.

Bernadine is survived by her sons Michael (Michelle), Bernard (Alice), daughter in-laws Dolores and Megan as well as 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Surviving family includes Wayne and Nona Hanson, Elmer Sharp, Cecile Wahl, Marge Seffernick, George and Bernadine Jackson, Nila McQuary, Mary Gilles as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bernadine was preceded by her husband Bernard, sons David, Jeff and grandson Kevin. Bernadine was also preceded by William and Helen Hanson, Frances Arnould, Mary Sharp, Ray and Arlene Nelson, Howard and Olga Gilles, Jentof Wahl, William Seffernick, John McQuary and Joseph Gilles.

Bernadine worked at the Presto factory in Chippewa Falls and as a seamstress in Tempe. Her most cherished yet challenging job was raising four boys. Bernadine enjoyed camping at Roosevelt Lake, in the woods along the Mogollon Rim or Gilles Gulch near the Four Peaks in Arizona.

Once retired, Bernadine and Bernard moved to Payson, Arizona. Bernadine volunteered at the town library, enjoyed baking cookies to insure the cookie jar was full as well stocking the candy dish with M&M’s any time the grand children were coming to visit. Bernadine also enjoyed playing Scrabble or a card game.

Per Bernadine’s wishes, the family will be getting together for a celebration of life instead of a traditional service.