Kenneth L. Gilles

Kenneth LeRoy Gilles, 86, of Welch, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Kenny, as most would call him, leaves behind his 2 children, Donald (Karla) Gilles of MT and Bonny (Randy) Krenzke of MN; 4 grandchildren, Kristopher Gilles of MT, Kyle Gilles of VA, Jesse (Ann) Pahl of NE and Jennifer (Tim) Cooper of MN; 9 great-grandchildren, Adaline, Jesse, Iris, Sky, Jase, James, Timmy and Alyssa and step-great granddaughter, Lily; numerous nieces and nephews; a brother-in-law, Jerry Schmitz and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie in 2013; brothers, Calvin, Richard and Edward Gilles and sisters, Margaret Schmitz and Barb Hugo as well as his parents.

Kenny was born February 13, 1940, in Plum City, Wisconsin, to Leonard and Elvira (Johnson) Gilles and grew up in the Plum City area. Kenny worked many long days at the Red Wing Shoe Company, where he was employed most of his working life, and he always enjoyed coming home after work and living the country life. As many of his friends and family know, Kenny loved to joke and be social. He had a wild spirit that loved racing, cycling, snowmobiling and motorcycle hill climbs. He also enjoyed boating and fishing, especially up at Big Sandy Lake. In his later years, Kenny had a regular routine of breakfast at the Whistle Stop. He will be missed by many!

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel in Red Wing. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at 1:30 p.m. Monday, August 17, Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing.