EDWARD N. GILLEN

Edward
Edward Nicholas Gillen, age 81, of Faribault died Friday, September 14,
2007 at his daughteršs home.
   Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Divine Mercy Catholic Church at
St. Lawrence, Faribault on Monday, September 17, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. with the
Reverend Kevin Finnegan, officiating.  Interment will be in St. Lawrence
Cemetery, Faribault.
   Visitation will be held at the Boldt Funeral Home, Faribault on Sunday,
September 16 from 2 to 7 p.m., and at the church for one hour prior to the
services on Monday.
   Edward Nicholas, the son of Sebastian and Cecilia (Wagner) Gillen was
born on November 8, 1925 in Faribault.  Ed was born and raised on a farm
north of Faribault.  He attended St. Lawrence grade school and graduated
from the eighth grade.  He helped his dad full-time on the family farm until
he started farming his own land after his marriage.   He married Barbara A.
Haug on January 16, 1947 in Northfield.  She preceded him in death on
September 28, 1991.  Later he married Josephine (Maas) Matthies on February
12, 1993.
   Ed was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Church, St. Lawrence and St. Anne's
Society, the Knights of Columbus, Faribault Aerie 1460 Fraternal Order of
Eagles, the Faribault Moose Lodge 1476, the Faribault Sports Hall of Fame
and was an officer of the Faribault Senior Center.
Ed loved spending time with his family and friends, helping his son work the
family farm, gardening, playing cards, golfing and most importantly bowling.
His high game was 299.  He and his brother, Adrian, bowled on the same team
for many years. Some of his proudest times were bowling the Faribault City
Tournament as the "Father and Sons" team.
   Ed was known for his unselfish gift of giving by donating nearly 20 gallons
of blood to the American Red Cross.
   He is survived by his wife Josephine; his seven daughters; Theresa Eberhardy
of Inver Grove Heights, Patricia (and Spencer) Wilker of Faribault, Susan
(and Jose) Pagan of Richfield, Elizabeth (and Richard) Dupuis of Ellisville,
MO, Judith (and William) Hauer of Oakdale, Michelle Gillen of Inver Grove
Heights, and Rosemarie Boskowitz of Kissimmee, FL; five sons, Nicholas
Gillen of Farmington, Anthony (and Gail) Gillen of Faribault, Edward (and
Toni) Gillen of Faribault, Jonathon (and Doris) Gillen of New Prague, and
Andrew Gillen of Lakeville; 6 stepchildren, Mary Ann (and Frank) Thompson of
Faribault, Dick (and Sandy) Matthies of Bloomington, Larry Matthies of
Faribault, Jan (and Larry) Odegard of Northfield, JoAnn (and Bernie) Murphy
of Aurora, CO and Dale (and Deb) Matthies of Merrifield; 39 grandchildren;
27 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; 7 siblings, John
Gillen, Greg Gillen, Rita Franke, Luella Heim, Joe (and Lorraine) Gillen,
Adrian (and Jeanne) Gillen and Joanne (and Jim) Cortese; and sister-in-law,
Donna (and Norbert) Yennie; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and
friends;
   He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Barbara; his
siblings and in-laws, Florence Gillen, Ambrose and Ruth Gillen, Varian
Gillen, William Franke, Bernard Heim, Ann and Alexius Thissen and Charles
Haug.
   Ed was known and loved by many and will be dearly missed.
   In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Divine Mercy
Catholic Schools, Divine Mercy Catholic Church, the Faribault Senior Center
or donor's choice.

 


Guest Book Memories Will Be Recorded Below
Name:
Chris & Terry Busch
Email:
tcbusch@charter.net
Date:
Monday September 17, 2007

Memories

Nick and family- Terry and I just found out about your dad. We're sorry we missed the service but we only found out today. Your dad was a great man. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Take care & God Bless!

Name:
Pam Hannon
Email:
Date:
Monday September 17, 2007

Memories

Sue and family, My thoughts are with you. May you and your family find peace and joy in his memories. Pam

Name:
Jeff Rose
Email:
srose92@charter.net
Date:
Sunday September 16, 2007

Memories

My deepest and most sincere condolences for your loss. I have known Ed and the family for many years. I have also been one of the fortunate individuals to have bowled with him on many occasions. Ed was a wise man. He knew alot about everything. He was also a great man, and a great father. Not just to his own family, but to everyone he came in contact with. He will be missed, but his greatness will live on in our hearts.

Name:
Mary Ann Thomas
Email:
whataputzer2@yahoo.com
Date:
Sunday September 16, 2007

Memories

My heart goes out to the Gillen families. I grew up with Judy (Hauer) and remember staying at the family farm on overnights. Their family was a wonderful family and shared many good times. Ed was a lucky man to have had such a wonderful life. Also, his first wife Barb was a wonderful person. I also love and respect and know quite well his second wife Jo. God bless the entire Gillen family and know that your father and husband is certain to be in Heaven with God. You have my deepest sympathy. I am so sorry I cannot attend the memorial, but you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless, Mary Ann Thomas

Name:
Betty Strommer
Email:
Date:
Saturday September 15, 2007

Memories

Aunt Jo and all my cousens: My heart goes out to you - You have been in my thoughts and prayers all week when I had heard how sick Uncle Ed had become. I am so grateful for the wonderful visit I had with him at the reunion. I never thought he would leave us so soon.I have truly enjoyed the many visits I've had with him at the many celebrations of life (weddings, graduations, anniversaies)- in fact I was thinking of him at Mass last Sunday when they had come for Chris & Heathers wedding in 2005 and Mass the next day was for Mom, Dad, John & Kevin and Uncle Ed participated in caring up the gifts with us. It was so wonderful to have so many aunts and uncles join us that weekend celebrating their 25th anniversary in heaven. Uncle Ed was very special and I will miss him. Love and prayers ~ Betty