"Pat" Patrick Charles Gilles

“Pat” Patrick Charles Gilles of Bridgeport, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, “papa”, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend peacefully went home to be with the Lord, with his family by his side on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper. He was 66 years old. Patrick Charles Gilles was born on December 19, 1957, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Arthur P. and Alice Margaret (Neal) Gilles. He was a proud graduate of Saginaw Public Schools. During the summer of their 7th and 8th grade years, Pat met his soulmate, Laurie Lynn Kohn, and knew then she was the love of his life. They eventually dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on March 24, 1979, at St. Christopher Church in Saginaw; she survives him. The role of his lifetime, one he loved above all others, was to be a loving and devoted husband, dedicated father, loving “papa”, and an amazing brother. Masterly skillful his entire life, Pat worked as a contracted carpenter with Carpenter-L. He civically served his community as a trustee and township supervisor for many years. A man of God, he was a longtime and faithful member of Shield of Faith Ministries and often reflected on his favorite bible verse Matthew 18:19-20. An avid outdoorsman, Pat enjoyed duck and deer hunting, spending time cutting the grass, and peace and tranquility being outdoors brought to his life. He was selflessly devoted to helping others, especially those he loved, no matter the circumstance, Pat was always there lending a helping hand. Above all, he was the proudest “papa” to all his grandchildren and will fondly be remembered for lighting the woodstove burner and gathering as a family. He will forever be remembered as a man of great faith, for his love of family, for his wonderful sense of humor, dancing to the Oldies, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Laurie L. Gilles of Bridgeport; four sons: Patrick (Amy) Gilles of Manistee; Adam (Jackie) Gilles of Burt; Matthew (Chelsie) Gilles of Birch Run; Brian (Ashley) Gilles of Birch Run; nine grandchildren: Brenden, Emma, Aubrey, Isabel, Lexi, Chase, Lilly, Mason, and Leah; two sisters: Nora (John) Kretchmer of South Haven; Connie Lee of Hemlock; a brother, Mike (Sharon) Gilles of WI. Also surviving are countless nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Pat was met in heaven by the gates of our Lord Jesus Christ; two grandchildren: Zachary and Baby Gilles; parents, Art and Alice Gilles; two sisters: Coleen Riley and Sally Mazzola; brother, Tom Gilles; and his beloved dog, Sam.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Covenant HealthCare for all the love and care they provided for Pat and the entire family.

A Funeral Service will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 5700 Dixie Highway, Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor Weldon Townsend, Pastor Mike Maike, and his son Pastor Adam Gilles will officiate. Honoring Pat’s wishes, cremation will follow the service. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials toward a memorial bench in Pat’s honor for the community outdoor track at Shield of Faith Ministries. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral chapel or through www.casefuneralhome.com.