Frank E. Gille

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frank E. Gille, age 77, in Hamel, IL. Frank departed peacefully at home on Monday, October 21, 2024, following a long battle with lung cancer.
He was born on November 28, 1946, in Kingston, NY. Frank was the beloved son of Edward and Frances Gille, née Flowers, Sr. He spent his formative years in picturesque Upstate New York, where he cultivated deep roots and cherished memories. Throughout his life, Frank called Ulster County home, residing in Kingston, Stone Ridge, and Shokan. In March 2020, Frank and his cherished wife Maxine "Maxie" relocated to Hamel, IL, to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren.
Frank enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1966, following his six brothers into military service. After training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, he reported to Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island. In June 1967, he was reassigned to Naval Support Activity Danang in Vietnam. In 1968, he returned to Newport to serve on the USS CADMUS (AR-14) and then the USS NIPMUC (ATF-157). He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1969.
Frank married his first wife, Judith "Judy" Atwood, on October 10, 1970, in Haverhill, MA. They had two daughters, Laurie and Suzanne. Later, he met and married his second wife, Maxie Gille, née Westbrook, on August 6, 1983; she survives him.
He worked as a Print Line Foreman for Rylance Printing in Kingston for over 20 years and served as president of the local Moose Lodge. Frank was an active member of Olivebridge United Methodist Church and Olive American Legion Post #1627. After moving to Hamel, he joined Worden Methodist Church and Worden American Legion Post #564.
Frank enjoyed bowling, working on cars, woodworking, fishing, reading, and singing in the church choir.
Survivors include:
Wife: Maxine Gille, née Westbrook, Hamel, IL
First Wife: Judith L. Atwood, Broomfield, CO
Daughter: Laurie A. (Jason) Leftwich, Bennett, CO
Daughter: Suzanne E. (Mark) Hemann, Worden, IL
Grandchildren: Clara R., Ellen J., and Matthew A. Hemann, all of Worden, IL
Brother: Donald Gille, Catskill, NY
He was preceded in death by:
Father: Edward C. Gille Sr.
Mother: Frances Gille, née Flowers
Brothers: Leslie Grunenwald; Ernest Grunenwald; John Grunenwald; Charles Grunenwald; Edward Gille Jr.
Arrangements are being handled by Dauderman Mortuary in Hamel.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Worden Methodist Church in Worden.
The funeral service will take place at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Worden United Methodist Church with Sue Busler officiating.
Interment will occur at 1:30 PM on Tuesday at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of Frank Gille. Donations can be made online or sent to P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. For assistance, please contact 1-800-227-2345.