Fred Gillis, 77, of Aberdeen, formerly of Belcourt, N.D., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospital, Aberdeen.
Fred "Fritz" Edward Gilllis was born Sept. 25, 1935, in Bottineau, N.D., to John and Lucy (Davis) Gillis. Growing up he attended Marty Indian School, Stephan Boarding School and Fort Totten Indian School. In high school, he played for the football and basketball teams and also partook in boxing. Afterwards, he attended Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kan., and received his degree in business administration.
Fred worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in various management positions and was known throughout Indian Country as an expert on Indian land issues. He primarily worked in Belcourt and Aberdeen, and had detail work in places including New Town, N.D., and Washington, D.C. He received numerous awards for his achievements throughout his career. After 30 years of dedicated service to the federal government, he retired in 1991. After retirement, he attained his realtor license and worked with a local real estate company for a short time.
In 1955, Fred married Myrtle (DuBois) Gillis and together they shared seven children, Deb (Dominic) Nadeau, Fred Gillis Jr., Scott (Jolene) Gillis, Stacey (Kyle) Baker, Kelly Gillis, Cindy (Lamoine) LaFloe and Chris Gillis.
In 1982, Fred married Pauline Bruce. Together they shared Megan (Chris) Harty and he was stepfather to Bobbi Jo (Tyson).
In his spare time, Fred loved to hunt, fish, golf, bowl, play slots at the local casinos, loved attending horse races, and even owned a few horses over the years. Fred was a storyteller. His favorite subjects were his family, his dog, Paco, and cats, Nico and Bella. He was an avid reader, who read every Louis Lamour book at least twice. He enjoyed reading westerns and books about adventure. He was eternally optimistic, always helped people whenever he could and was known for his generosity and kindness. Fred loved and embraced life, but his true passion and deep love were for his children, 33 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren. He was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Grateful in sharing his life was his fiancee and very special partner of the past 10 years, Sandy Jacobs of Aberdeen. Fred is survived by his children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; brothers: Clifford Gillis and Pete Gillis, Joe Gillis and John Gillis; sisters: Geri Luhr and Mary Ann Hamely; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Dave, Frank and Ray Gillis; sisters: Mildred Crasco, Viola Grinell, Angelique Olmschied, Phyllis Schock and Margaret Belgarde.
Casketbearers are: Chris Gillis Jr., Mike Gillis, Kelly Gillis, Pete Gillis Jr., Cory Poitra, Lamoine LaFloe, Murton Davis and Chris Harty.
Honorary bearers are all family and friends.
Music by Troy DeCoteau, Ryan Keplin and Hank Bowker.
A visitation will begin at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013, in St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, N.D., with a rosary service at 8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Monday, Aug. 19, 2013, at 10 a.m. in the church, with Fr. Jeff Eppler, S.O.L.T. presiding. Burial will follow at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery, Dunseith, N.D.
Announcement of prayer service in Aberdeen to follow.