Thomas E. Gilles

Thomas Edward Gilles, 93, a resident of Fond du Lac,
passed away April 11, 2020 at the St. Francis Home, Fond du Lac. He was born in
Milwaukee on June 28, 1926 to Christian and Cecelia (Walloch) Gilles.

Tom grew up in Wauwatosa. He began working for his
brother, Paul, at Gilles Frozen Custard in Milwaukee in 1938 at the age of 12.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946.

In 1949, Tom moved to Fond du Lac to follow his
dream of owning his own business and founded Gilles Frozen Custard Drive-In. On
February 18, 1950, he married Doris Marie Curler in Milwaukee, WI. Together Tom
and Doris built Gilles Frozen Custard Drive-In into one of Fond du Lac’s iconic
destinations.

Tom retired in 1992 and his son, Jim, continued
operating the family business. In Tom’s retirement, he learned a new hobby and
carved wood into beautiful pieces of art, including a 15-foot totem pole. Tom
enjoyed golf and being outdoors – especially when he was at his cottage. Above
all else, Tom loved being with his family and spending time with them.

Although many will remember Tom for his frozen
custard, his children will be forever grateful for the strong work ethic and
unwavering faith he instilled within them.

 Survivors include:
two sons, John (Jan) Gilles of Green Bay, Jim (Gwen) Gilles; three daughters,
Mary (Greg) Guenther, Joanne (Bill) Theyerl and Christine (Chris) Holmes all of
Fond du Lac; five grandchildren, Angie (Aaron) Roden, Ryan (Katie) Gilles,
Molly Gilles, Nicholas and Jacob Holmes; two step-grandchildren, Julie (Aaron)
Bray and Tyler Theyerl;  five
great-grandchildren, Henry and George Gilles, Olivia, Abigail and Eli Roden. He
is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, a
brother Paul (Faye) Gilles; two sisters, Mary (Roy) Coldagelli and Margaret
(Bob) Marion and his parents.

Memorials in his name may be directed to the Jesuit
Retreat House, 4850 Fahrnwald Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902, St. Mary’s Springs
Academy or a charity of your choice.

Private family services are scheduled. The family is
planning a Celebration of Tom’s life at a future date.

“The family extends their deep appreciation to the
staff of St. Francis Terrace and Home for their compassionate care.”

Online condolences can be shared at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.