Obituary of Joan Beth Gilles

Joan B. Gilles, age 83, of Stevens Point, WI, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at Edenbrook of Wisconsin Rapids. As a result of the present public health emergency, a celebration of Joan’s life will be scheduled at a later date. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Gilles family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net Joan was born June 29, 1936 in Loyal, WI to Raymond and Margery (Erwin) Colby. Joan graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire in 1958 with a degree in Education and later earned a master’s degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. She spent her career as an elementary public-school educator. She began teaching in 1958 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and continued in Abbotsford, Marshfield and Weston, Wisconsin. She also taught for 1 year in Dillard, Oregon. In 1970 she began teaching in the Stevens Point Area Public School system, where she served for 19 years until her retirement in 1989. After Joan retired, she kept busy by volunteering for several local organizations and by taking classes at the UW extension and Lincoln Center. She also enjoyed going to the symphony, reading, painting, ceramics, and writing. In recent years, she drew great solace and support from her extended relatives in the Zimmer and Colby families and her many life-long friends. Joan is survived by her children: Dr. Blaine Gilles, Kirk Gilles, and LaCinda Jameson; her grandchildren: Brittany Jameson, Matthew Gilles, and Isabel Gilles; her nieces: Mary (Tim) Barton and Ann (Rich) Hofmann; and her nephew, Mark (Julie) Zimmer. She is also survived by her beloved cats, George and Baby. She is preceded in death by her son, Brian and her sister, Janice Zimmer.