William Nilles

William O?Neil Nilles, 78, of Fargo, ND, and Lake Park, MN died on December 24, 2007 at his home on Upper Comorant Lake. William, son of John J. and Isabel (O?Neil) Nilles, was born on July 17, 1929 in Fargo, ND. He spent his early years in Langdon, ND. In Fargo, he attended St. Anthony?s grade school and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy. Bill received his degree in Economics from St. John?s University, Collegville, MN. He served 4 years in the United States Air Force in Biloxi, Mississippi and Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, where he met Elizabeth Hartmann. They were married on September 18, 1954 in New York City. After their discharge, they moved to Fargo, ND. There, Bill began his 40 year career with Metropolitan Federal Bank. He was a teller, a loan officer, treasurer, vice-president, COO and retired as president of the corporation. Bill served on the board of directors from 1965 through 1995 when he retired as vice-chairman. He belonged to many Savings & Loan organizations, as well as the Elks Club, Exchange Club, Eagles Club, Jay-Cees, the American Legion and the Catholic War Veterans. He was a member of the Fargo Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight and was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. Bill and his family were Charter members of Nativity Parish. He served on their first parish council and was a member of the Finance committee. The four loves of his life were: his church and faith, his wife and family, his lake home and Metropolitan. Bill is survived by his wife Betty, children, Patricia (Daniel) Clark of Corpus Christi, TX, Catherine Nilles and her husband Bruce Melchert of Willmar, MN, Robert Nilles and his wife Coleen Sykora of Soldatna, Ak, Mary (Thomas) Fredrickson of Silver Bay, MN, Charlotte (Nick) Kitsch of Webster, ND, Richard (Barbara) Nilles of Fargo, ND; a sister Nancy McLaughlin of Fargo, ND; a brother John Michael (Barbara) Nilles of Eden Prairie, MN; 12 grandchildren Michelle (Michael) Hartfiel, Daniel and Elizabeth Clark, Marie Frances and Thomas Nilles- Melchert, Logan and Peter Fredrickson, Andrew, Matthew and Kathryn Kitsch, Alexander and Sydney Nilles and a great-granddaughter Abigail Hartfiel ; brother-in-law Edward Hartmann; many nieces, nephews and dear long-time friends. Memorials preferred to the Presentation Foundation, the Fargo Catholic School Network and the Father Davis Mission. Visitation and Prayer Service: 6-7 PM Thursday with a prayer service at 7 PM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Lake Park, MN Visitation and Prayer Service: 5-7 PM Friday with a prayer service at 7 PM at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, ND Mass of Christian Burial: 11 AM Saturday at Church of the Nativity in Fargo Burial: Holy Cross North Cemetery in Fargo Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo. Online guest book at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com