Martin Gillen

Martin S. Gillen, age 54, of Elysian, MN and formerly of rural Dundas, MN, passed away April 11, 2016, at the Nu Horizions Home of Elysian.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 18, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault.

Memorial visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault on Sunday from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. and on Monday for one hour prior to the services at the church.

Martin Steven was born on February 19, 1962, in Faribault, MN to Gregory and Varian (Wadekamper) Gillen. He graduated from Bethlehem Academy with the class of 1980. Martin was married to Sheila O'Connor for 14 years. He was a lifelong farmer, farming with his family in rural Dundas. In addition to farming, Martin took great involvement in the production of Gillen's Pure Maple Syrup. He enjoyed trapping, hunting, bowling and playing softball. After his accident, his interests included gardening, planting trees, swimming at the Community Center, and life on the family farm.

He is survived by his children, Jessica Gillen of Faribault, Veronica (Chad) Julian of Mankato, and Jack Gillen (Melinda Keim) of Mankato; four grandchildren, Ava, Tommy, Tia, and Raymond; eleven siblings, Jake (Ruth) Gillen of Faribault, Louise Welch of West Concord, MN, Peter Gillen of St. Paul, MN, Steve (Jan) Gillen of Faribault, Cecilia (Bob) Sorenson of Racine, WI, George (Deb) Gillen of Kenyon, MN, Mary Johnson of Hatton, ND, Laura (Chuck) Hansen of Waterville, MN, Greg (Lynne) Gillen of Faribault, Paul (Lavern) Gillen of Faribault, and Chuck Gillen of Dundas; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Greg and Varian; brother, Lawrence Gillen; brother-in-law, Dick Welch; and nephew, Johnny Simek.