Peter J. Gillis, Sr, 73, Dunseith, ND, died at home peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, November 17th, 2020.

Peter was born August 29th, 1947 to John and Lucy (Davis) Gillies in Bottineau, ND. He was raised on the Gillies homestead north of Dunseith, attending the Dunseith Indian Day School through the 6th grade, graduating from Dunseith Public High School in 1965. Peter then attended Haskell Indian Jr College, was drafted to the US Army in January of 1967, where he was sent to Ft Polk, LA for Jungle Training before being sent to Cu Chi, Vietnam, spending 12 months there. Peter was awarded the Overseas Service Medal, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, the Commemorative Service Medal, and a National Defense Service medal. Peter was honorably discharged in December 1968, at the rank of Specialist E5.

Peter then returned home to Dunseith, ND and obtained his apprenticeship in Masonry. He met the love of his life, Verena St. Claire, in 1974. They married on March 23rd, 1976, made their home in Dunseith, ND, where they raised their beautiful family. Peter and Verena have 24 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, who they loved spending time with as often as possible.

Peter worked as a Brick and Block layer for 25 years, then as a custodian for the Dunseith Public Schools and Turtle Mountain Community Schools in Belcourt, ND up until his diagnosis of Prostate Cancer in 1995, ending his work career. He then began his frequent travels to the VA Hospital in Fargo, ND for cancer care. After battling this disease for 24+ years, exhausting all options, he was placed on Home Hospice Care through the VA with Heart of America, Rugby, ND up until his death.

Peter loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, who brought so much joy to his heart. He enjoyed golf, and was very competitive, winning many tournaments. He was especially proud of his hole-in-one on #8 at the Garden Gate Golf Course and received a golden putter and a $50.00 dollar bill. Peter and Verena competed in many tournaments and played with several other couples every Thursday and on weekends. They were a tough team to beat. Peter also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, traveling to various casinos with his wife, and playing cards with his family.

Peter is survived by his wife Verena Gillis, sons Harold Gillis, Peter (Jackie) Gillis, Bryan (Allison) Gillis, daughters Crystal (Charles) Monette, Brandi (Jared) DuBois and Chante' (Scott) Allery, 23 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, brother John (Karen) Gillis, and numerous nieces and nephews. Peter was preceded in death by his parents-John and Lucy Gillies, siblings-Frank Gillies, Viola Grinnell, Raymond Gillies, Mildred (Millie) Crasco, Mary Ann Hamley, Dave Gillies, Clifford Gillis, Margaret (Peggy) Belgarde, Fritz (Fred) Gillis, Geri Luhr, Angelique (Angie) Olmschied, Phyllis Schock, and Joseph (Joe) Gillies; grandson-JD (John David) Gillis.

Funeral Services to be held Tuesday, November 24th, 2020 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith, ND. Visitation beginning at 1:00pm, Rosary at 2:30pm, Mass at 3:00pm. Burial immediately following at St. Louis Cemetery, Dunseith, ND.

Masks and social distancing required. Services will be live streamed via Facebook: facebook.com/groups/StMichaelDunseithND for those unable to attend.