Thomas Harold Gille

Thomas Harold Gille, 68 of Cromwell passed away peacefully on February 19, 2018 in Villa Vista Care Center. Tom was born on January 22, 1950 in Amery, Wisconsin to Harold and Florence (Nottom) Gille. He attended Turtle Lake High School and graduated in 1968. He had been married to his wife, Judy since June of 2000 with whom he built their lake home in Cromwell. True to his engineering genius, he also dedicated himself to building the 'cabin in the woods' for her, entirely using his innate knowledge of craftsmanship and design. Tom selflessly served those he cared for including his wife, his three children Nicholas, Kevin, and Natalie, his two step children, and his grandchildren. He was passionate about sharing his love of machinery with his grandchildren who he would excitedly take on exclusive tours of his train workshop at the Duluth Depot, and for rides on his snowmobiles. His early life interests included hunting, fishing, and working with his father operating and repairing heavy machinery, the latter of which lead to his career as a mechanic and operator of heavy machinery working for Ostermann Sand and Gravel, Seltzer Excavation in Osceola, and Reuben Johnson & Sons Excavating. After his retirement due to disability, he spent enjoyable hours meticulously restoring vintage snowmobiles which he donated to, and are now displayed at, the Snowmobile Hall of Fame. He also volunteered full time at the Duluth Depot, where he enjoyed sharing his love of trains by contributing to the restoration and maintenance of the museums' collection. Tom was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Judith Gille; children, Nicholas (Catherine Rooni and her son, James) Gille, Kevin Gille, Natalie (Shane) Cass; step-children, Greg (Melissa Matthews) Drozdek, Ellen (Joe) Burke; grandchildren, Noah Cass, Kiera Cass, Judith Burke, Jaynie Burke, Gabriel Cass, Jameson Burke, and Parker Gille; siblings, Joyce (Fred) Booth and Dennis (Cathy) Gille; his beloved dog, Bear; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues. The family wishes to extend deepest gratitude to everyone at the Duluth Depot for their friendship and support. Also, to the staff at Villa Vista who provided Tom with such compassionate care. Visitation: 10 until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service Monday, February 26, 2018 in the Atkins Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St., Cloquet. A time of lunch and fellowship will follow in the Fireside Room of the funeral home. Burial will be in the spring in Eagle Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in the name of Thomas Gille to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com