Joseph Gillen

Joseph Michael Gillen, age 84, of New Richmond, WI died peacefully on Monday, March 12, 2012. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in New Richmond, WI on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow after mass. Visitation will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 151 South Washington Ave., New Richmond, WI on Thursday, March 15th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday at 10:00 a.m. Joe, the son of Sebastian and Cecilia (Wagner) Gillen, was born on November 21, 1927 in Faribault, MN. On November 23rd, 1948, he married Lorraine Simmons at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Faribault, MN. After marriage they resided in Chicago, IL; Dundas, MN; and in 1958 moved to a farm in New Richmond, WI. Joe loved to be active with baseball, golf, bowling, fishing, horseshoes, and cards. He was a devoted Catholic. Those who knew him understand how fundamental God was in his life and in his decisions. His commitment to faith continued to his end; leading the rosary before Mass and constructing rosaries with his wife Lorraine to be shared with people worldwide. He was an active father to ten children, supporting them in all aspects of their lives. He taught them work ethic, cooperation, respect, and the importance of God in life, via his passion for farming. Joseph was hard working and took great pride in watching both his family and crops grow. Joe is survived by his wife Lorraine of 63 years; his four sons and six daughters: David (Luz) Gillen of Burnsville, MN; Daniel (Linda) Gillen of Oviedo, FL; Bruce (Terry) Gillen of Protem, MO; Jerome Gillen of New Richmond, WI; Carol (Mark) Lebo of River Falls, WI; Catherine Hughes of Roberts, WI; Bonnie Lane of Chippewa Falls, WI; Joan (Mark) Schneider of Brookfield, WI; Rita (Joe) Maloney of Chanhassen, MN; and Gloria (Peter) Kelly of Hastings, MN; 19 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; 3 sisters: Rita Franke of Bloomington, MN, Luella Heim of Medford, MN, and Joanne (Jim) Cortese of Ellensburgs, WA; one brother, Adrian (Jeanne) Gillen of Faribault, MN; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Anne Thissen, and by four brothers: John, Ambrose, Greg and Edward Gillen. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic School in New Richmond, WI or donor’s choice.