Francis Gerald Nilles

May 7, 1928 - April 1, 2022

Nilles, Francis Gerald (Ger, Jerry, Papa) Age 93, of Edina, MN died peacefully at home on April 1, 2022. Born May 7, 1928 in Cedar Rapids, IA. Preceded in death by parents Louis and Anna Nilles, sisters Marie Nilles and Joan McAreavy (John Francis), and brother Louis Jr. (Norma). Survived by loving wife of 65 years Monica, children Gregory (Peggy) of St. Louis, MO; Lisa (Mark) of Minneapolis; Michael (Kathleen) of Wellesley, MA; grandchildren Kate, Lauren, Matt, and Anna, Caitlin, Megan, John; sister Carol Nilles (Robert Engler); 27 beloved nieces and nephews; and godson Teagan Nilles Livita Nammeh. Ger attended Immaculate Conception High School, Loras College, the University of Iowa, and the Univer-sity of Iowa College of Law. After serving in the Air Force in the early 1950s, he began his career at Arthur Young & Company in Milwaukee, where he met Monica. A job with Northwest Bank Corporation brought the couple to Minnesota. For many years, Ger served as president and chairman of First Western Bank in St. Louis Park. He was an early board member of the Catholic Community Foundation of Minne-sota and also Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Ger possessed a keen mind that, combined with studying on his honeymoon, earned him the Fall 1956 Elijah Watts Sells gold award for highest score on the national CPA exam. He also possessed an undying sense of faith that provided him guidance and comfort throughout his life. The family is grateful to caregivers Annette Bodem and Lucky Mwaka for providing extraordinarily compassionate care the past several months. Gathering at 10:00 AM and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at the Church of St. Patrick, 6820 St. Patrick's Lane, Edina. Live streaming 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 Ger volunteered for years following his retirement. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996