Francis Gerald 'Jerry' Nilles

FRANCIS GERALD "JERRY" NILLES

Edina, Minn.

Francis Gerald "Jerry" Nilles, 93, of Edina, Minn., died peacefully at home on April 1, 2022.

Jerry was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Louis and Anna Nilles, their third child, first boy. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School, attended Loras College and graduated from the University of Iowa and the University of Iowa College of Law. He spent summers doing such things as working on the railroad, delivering dry cleaning for Dempseys and driving an ambulance.

After his military service, Jerry began his career in Milwaukee for Arthur Young & Co. There he met a beautiful dental hygienist, Monica, who lived at a boarding house run by his cousin Helene. Though Monica arranged to have their meeting interrupted, when her roommate told her she had a phone call, Monica replied, "Tell them I'll call back later." This love at first sight continued and was celebrated last September on their 65th wedding anniversary.

A job with Northwest Bank Corporation brought the couple to Minnesota. For many years, Jerry served as president and chairman of First Western Bank in St. Louis Park.

Jerry possessed an undying sense of faith that provided him guidance and comfort throughout his life. He was an early board member of the Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota and also Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Theresa Marie Nilles and Joan M. McAreavy (John Francis); and brother, Louis James Nilles Jr. (Norma Jean).

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Monica; children, Gregory (Peggy) of St. Louis, Mo., Lisa (Mark) of Minneapolis and Michael (Kathleen) of Wellesley, Mass.; grandchildren, Kate (fiance, Rene), Lauren, Matt; Anna, Caitlin, Megan and John; sister, Carol Nilles (Robert Engler); 27 beloved nieces and nephews; godson, Teagan Nilles Livita Nammeh; and many dear cousins.

Visitation at 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, at the Church of St. Patrick, 6820 St. Patrick's Lane, Edina, Minn. Livestreaming of Mass will be available. Private interment at Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor's favorite charity or to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (tchabitat.org), where Jerry volunteered for years following his retirement. Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, www.washburn-mcreavy.com/.