Judge Gerald Emerson Tilles

Judge Gerald Emerson Tilles died on Aug. 9 at the Trinity West Medical Center in Rock Island, Ill., after a lengthy illness.

Judge Tilles was a graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit and held bachelor’s, master’s and juris doctor degrees from Wayne State University.

He served as an administrative law judge and chief magistrate, specializing in workman’s compensation during the administrations of Gov. James J. Blanchard and Gov. John Engler.

He was also an ordained minister and served at the Chapel of the Savior in Ann Arbor; at Scott Methodist and Conant Avenue United Methodist Churches in Detroit; and First United Methodist in Brighton.

Judge Tilles was known for his devotion to his family, his servant’s heart and his deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Catherine; children, Mikki Crossley and Jeffrey Tilles; one son-in-law, Ralph Crossley; one grandson, Charles Crossley, as well as his siblings, Dr. Jacqueline Tilles, Ralph Bernard Tilles and Patricia Anne Tilles.

Funeral services were held at Christ the Lord Christian Center, 1385 Wayburn, Grosse Pointe Park.