Fr. Roger Gabriel Nilles died on August 4, 2023, at the age of 90 at St. John’s on the Lake in Milwaukee.
He was born on June 9, 1933, in Madison. Father Nilles is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and predeceased by his parents, Mathias John and Anna Marie, née Omson, and his siblings: Ruth (Nilles) Dollhausen, James E. Nilles, and Joan (Nilles) Gebhardt.
After attending grade school at St. James School, Madison, and high school at St. Francis Minor Seminary, Milwaukee, Father Nilles attended St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee; received an undergraduate degree from Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa; a master’s degree from the Theological College of the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., and earned a Doctorate in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Father Nilles was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop William P. O’Connor of Madison on May 30, 1959, at St. Raphael Cathedral in Madison.
Father Nilles began serving in the Diocese of Madison as associate pastor of St. Paul Parish, Beloit, and St. Paul University Parish, Madison.
He continued his service in the diocese as pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Lake Mills, with Mission of St. Mary Magdalene, Johnson Creek; St. Victor Parish, Monroe; and St. Peter Parish, Madison, where he retired from full-time active ministry as pastor emeritus.
He also served as an instructor and assistant principal at Beloit Catholic High School, Beloit; as Priest Senate president; on the Conciliation and Arbitration Board; and on the St. Raphael Board.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter Church, 5001 N. Sherman Ave. in Madison on Monday, August 14, at 11 a.m.
Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison will celebrate the Mass, with Fr. Kevin Dooley as homilist.
Visitation at St. Peter Church will be held on Sunday, Aug. 13, from 4 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. and on Monday, Aug. 14, from 9 a.m. until shortly before the Funeral Mass.
Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, 2705 Regent St., Madison.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made payable to St. Paul Catholic Student Center, Madison.