Lois Alta Giles

Lois Giles, age 83, of Balaton, Minnesota, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with family by her side. Funeral Services are 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Following a reception at the church, interment will be at the Lakeside Cemetery in Balaton, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. The evening will conclude with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will then continue one hour prior to her celebration, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, at the church.

Lois Alta Giles was born on August 12, 1942, in Marshall, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Vernon and Bertha (Hendrickson) Willard. Lois grew up on a farm near Marshall where she was baptized and later confirmed in her youth in the Methodist Church. Later, as an adult, Lois made a profession of faith and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at the Grand Forks AFB in June of 1971. She attended District 84 country school through the 5th grade leaving her one room schoolhouse to attend school in Marshall. Lois graduated from Marshall High School with the class of 1960 where she also met Darell Giles.

They were united in marriage on May 19, 1962, at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Marshall, Minnesota. The couple relocated several times during Darell’s Air Force career, starting in Washington state. Two of Lois’ favorite stations were the island of Guam and Vandenberg AFB in California. Following Darell’s retirement in 1980, the couple moved to Balaton, Minnesota. Lois worked briefly in insurance and banking before focusing her attention as a devoted homemaker and loving mother. Upon their return to Balaton, Lois spent 11 years as a CNA at the Balaton Nursing Home.

Lois was a faithful member of First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and served as a deaconess. Her enjoyments in life included visiting with people, crossword puzzles, morning walks around the block, watching birds, and playing board games or cards with friends. Her primary joy was spending time with the love of her life, family, and friends.

Lois died on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She reached the age of 83 years, 4 months, and 5 days. Blessed be her memory.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Darell Giles of Balaton; son, Darin (Pamela) Giles of Tracy; daughter-in-law, Janet of Richmond; 8 grandchildren, Wendy (Dustin) Kvistad, Stacy (Rob) Stoppel, Blake (Kaitlyn) Giles, MacKenzie (Austen) Bowmen, Megan Laughlin (Wyatt Schmitt), Kayla (John) Pearson, Danielle (Peter) Worden, Derek (Emily) Giles; 19 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Verlane Ross of Balaton, Frances (Roger) Stassen of Marshall; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Bertha Willard; son, Rick Giles; sisters, Iva Bird, Fern Trausch; and 4 brothers-in-law, Irvin Bird, Stanley Ross, Ralph Hobrecker, and Andy Trausch.