Gerald Giles

Gerald William Giles was born on July 31, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois to Harry and Sylvia (Hundertmark) Giles. He graduated from Lane Tech High School in Chicago. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and was an aircraft carrier fighter pilot during WWII. In 1946, he served in the Naval Reserve and retired in 1965, as a Lieutenant Commander. He attended Northwestern University and received a BS Degree in Chemical Engineering. Gerald was united in marriage to Jeanne Osborn on February 26, 1943 in Chicago. To this union the couple was blessed with 4 children. The couple lived in Chicago until 1951, and moved to Michigan for a time. They lived in Minneapolis from 1952 till 1971 then Des Moines, IA, from 1971 till 2004 and moved to Windmill Ponds in Alexandria. Gerald received wonderful care at Sharon?s Senior Services for the last year and four months. Gerald enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, playing ping-pong, and tennis which he played till he was 76. He was very active in Boy Scouts where he served as an Assistant Scout Master and Advancement Chairman. He also enjoyed planning and giving assistance to small business owners through organizations like SBA and SCORE. At the age of 44 Gerald received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Lake Harriet Baptist Church where he continued to serve and love his lord. He was also a member of the Gideon?s, and the Cornerstone Church. Gerald also very active in his previous churches serving as chairman of the church, chairman of trustees, helping with Sunday School classes in a variety of age groups. Gerald died on September 29, 2010 at Sharon?s Senior Services at the age of 89. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Jeanne; sons, Richard (Mary) Giles of Florence SC, Dale (Diane) Giles of Clear Lake, MN; daughters, Jan (Ray) Ortlund of Franklin, TN and Pati (Darryl) Knappen of Alexandria, MN; 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; brother, Kenneth (Kay) Giles of Saltillo, MS; sisters, Lois Gram of Norridge, IL and Jean Bastiani of Buffalo Grace, IL. Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Sylvia; granddaughter Sara Beth Giles. A funeral service was held on Monday, October 4, 2010 at the Cornerstone Church in Alexandria with Reverend Darryl Knappen officiating. Music was provided by Gerald?s grandchildren, David Giles, pianist, and Joelle Benson, soloist. Interment was in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Casket bearers were David Giles, Jonathan Giles, Ryan DeWilde, Eric Ortlund, Dane Ortlund, and Gavin Ortlund. Honorary casket bearers were Mark Paschke, Jared Benson, John Scheidt, and Jonathan McPherson. Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.