Shirley Gilles

Shirley Gilles, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Kininic Nursing
Home in River Falls, Wisconsin.
Shirley was born on February 22, 1935, to James and Mary (McCreddan) Radcliffe of Black
River Falls.
She is survived by her six sons and two daughters. Annielaurie Collins of Hudson, WI; Daniel
(Barbra) of Eau Claire; James of Black River Falls; Mark (Donna) of Hudson; Timothy of
Hudson; Barbara of Hudson; Monty (Elizabeth) of Dubuque, IA and Samuel of Saint Peter, MN.
Shirley has 12 Grandchildren and six Great Grandchildren.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Jon L. Gilles, and her son, Thomas R. Gilles, as
well as her parents and seven siblings.
Shirley graduated from Black River Falls High School in 1953. Shortly afterward she was
married to Jon L. Gilles on September 27, 1954. They remained married for 57 years until the
death of Jon on August 24, 2011.
Shirley will be forever remembered by her family and friends for her unwavering kindness and
her loving and caring spirit. She brightened lives with her smile and welcoming arms. A
Christian woman of deep faith, she enjoyed dancing, reading, playing cards, spending time with
her family and spoiling her Grandchildren. She dedicated her life to raising her nine children
and is revered by them. Her memory will live on in their hearts.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Black River Falls
Evangelical Lutheran Church, 115 N 5 th St. Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 12:00. The
service will be at 12:00 noon. A luncheon will follow at the Castle Hill Supper Club following
the service.
Torgerson’s Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. They can be reached at 715-284-4321.