Gloria A. Tilley

Gloria Ann (Raddatz) Tilley, age 92, was welcomed into her heavenly home on November 9, 2024.  She was the youngest daughter of August and Birdie (Halverson) Raddatz, born in the Town of Bear Creek, WI on May 29, 1932.  She was baptized at the home of her family on July 17, 1932. 

Gloria grew up on the family farm on Fitzgerald Rd in the Town of Lebanon, near Sugarbush, WI. She fondly recalled happy memories of life on the farm, all of her days.  

She was confirmed in her Christian faith at Grace Lutheran Church, Sugarbush, WI on June 17, 1945; and she was a 1950 graduate of Washington High School, New London, WI. Gloria worked in New London after graduation, where she also met her husband, Elmer Tilley.  Gloria later moved to Appleton, WI and worked at Aid Association for Lutherans.  Gloria and Elmer were united in marriage at Grace Lutheran Church in Sugar Bush on Gloria's birthday, May 29, 1954.

Gloria and Elmer resided in Appleton where they raised their two daughters, Dawn and Lynn.  Gloria and Elmer built, owned, and operated Open Aire Drive-Inn in Greenville, WI for 11 years, in the 1950's and 60's. 

Gloria was a devoted member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Appleton and she enjoyed being a member of the Ladies Aid.  Her faith and regular attendance at church were a cornerstone of her life.

She was a wonderful home-maker and was always concerned if everyone ate.  Gloria and Elmer always had bountiful vegetable gardens and enjoyed making maple syrup in their woods.  Elmer would plant, harvest, and gather, and Gloria would prepare, can, and preserve.  She will be remembered for all of her delicious meals, baking, canning, and holiday treats; we all have memories of our favorite dishes, and how no one else made them quite the same as she did!  Gloria loved to decorate for every season and holiday. She also loved to go thrifting and shopping when she had the opportunity. 

Gloria's family was very dear to her and they all held a special place in her heart.  When the girls were young,  annual family roads trips and times at the cottage in Townsend became treasured memories. When grandchildren came along, Gloria and Elmer never missed their events, activities and milestones. She especially cherished visits from the little ones and was blessed to enjoy times with her great-grandchildren. 

She is survived by her daughters, Dawn Fontecchio (Alan Mueller) & Lynn (Allen) Johnson.  Her grandchildren Ryan Fontecchio, Angela (Eric) Bemowski, Robert (Kacey) Fontecchio, Luke Johnson & Rachel (Tanner) Alanko.  Great-grandchildren Olivia Fontecchio; Lincoln & Tenley Bemowski; Jack, Tilley & Mila Fontecchio; and Levi & Eliise Alanko.  Niece, Bette Drown; nephews Rick (Janet) Hoffman, Harvey & Lee Raddatz; cousins, great nieces and nephews,  and many other friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer, whom she missed dearly and is now reunited.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, August & Birdie Raddatz, brother LaValle Raddatz, and sisters Evergreen Raddatz & Vivian Olson, her very special niece Darlene Hoffman and her best friend Ruby Schroeder. 

The funeral service will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 11:00 am at St Matthew Lutheran Church, 129 S Mason St, Appleton, WI.  Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the time of the service, with Pastor Jon Kuske officiating.  Entombment will be at the Star of Hope Mausoleum (Highland Memorial Park), Appleton, WI.

The family would like to especially thank Pastor Kuske & Pastor Geiger of St Matthew for their visits and prayers, and for the wonderful care and friendships made at Meadow Wood Assisted Living, Seymour; Carolina Assisted Living, Appleton; and St Croix Hospice, Neenah. 

Memorials can be directed to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Appleton, WI

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.