Donald Giles, 1932-2018

Published 1:00 am Friday, May 25, 2018

Visitation for Donald R. Giles, 85, of Albert Lea will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. There will be a brief service at 6 p.m. The Rev. Daphne Hamborg will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by local veterans organizations. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Donald Giles

Don died Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at his home.

Donald Robert Giles was born Aug. 25, 1932, to Lloyd and Nellie (Grave) Giles in Iowa City, Iowa. The family moved to the Geneva area, where Don attended Geneva- Ellendale schools. Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952.

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He met and married Myrna Cornick. They had two children, Robert and Kathy. The couple later divorced. On Oct. 19, 1963, Don married Marilyn Schumacher. They had four children, Donna, Michael, Martha and Frank.

In 1964, Don became a federal meat and poultry inspector in South Saint Paul. In 1966, Don transferred to New York City and then to Minneapolis in 1971. In 1973, Don became a federal compliance officer and moved to Columbus, Ohio. From there the family moved to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1983. Don retired in 1991 and moved back to Albert Lea.

Don had a great, dry sense of humor. He met so many people and had many great friends.

Don is survived by his wife, Marilyn; sons Robert (Iris) Giles and Michael (Tammy) Giles; daughters Kathy (Keith) Reyerson, Donna Tafta and Martha (Craig) Carmichael; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Fern Giles; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Nellie; son, Frank Giles; mother-in-law, Laura Rayman; father-in-law, Albert Schumacher; brother, Virgil Giles; sister, Delores (Les) VanRyswyk; and many aunts and uncles.

Don had a great time and really loved all of the Hospice staff who helped him over the last two years.

“See ya all later. Love to all of you!” — Don