Larry Dean Giles

Larry Dean Giles, aged 86, passed away on August 9, 2024 in his Naperville home of 53 years. His beloved wife, Linda (Konen), was at his side as he departed this world for the peace and wholeness of eternal life. Larry was a beloved father, grandfather, husband, brother-in-law, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Larry was born on June 10, 1938 in Gorham, IL. He lived in Carterville, IL with his Aunt Velma and Uncle Lloyd Cox until 4th grade, after which point he moved to Herrin to live with his mother, Marcella and her husband, Shine. After graduating from Herrin HS, where he lettered in Varsity football, he attended Southern Illinois University and earned a Bachelor's degree in Education. Upon graduating from SIU, Larry enlisted in the Army and served two years as a signal specialist in Saran, France during the Vietnam War. Upon returning by ship to Ellis Island, Larry made the bold decision to leave southern Illinois to pursue job opportunities in the Chicagoland area. It was during this time that Larry met the love of his life, Linda, and started a family. Larry made another bold decision to leave a teaching career for one in financial investments as a stockbroker at Paine Weber. For the next 40+ years, Larry would experience the ups and downs of working in financial planning and investments.
Larry's real joy in life, however, was not in his vocation but in the time he spent with his children-Steven (Annamae), Julie (Frank), Lisa (Ken), Brian (Shelly)-his in-laws, and especially his 12 grandchildren. He loved attending and watching his children and grandchildren play sports, swim, and get into trouble. Larry was perpetually cold-always with an electric blanket and slippers in tow-so he was naturally most happy on vacations to warmer climates. Trips with extended family to Hilton Head Island, SC was where Larry's smile was most prominent. He also enjoyed annual trips with Linda and friends to Gulf Shores, AL.
When COVID brought social distancing measures, Larry was right at home with his television's DVR and his recliner. As his son, Brian joked at the time, "Our dad has trained his whole life for this moment." From John Wayne movies to Bears games to 24-hour cable news and even to Downton Abby, Larry's diverse tastes and interests were often reflected in the media he consumed.
Despite being a more private and reserved person, Larry's life reflected one of fierce loyalty and companionship with family and close friends. He enjoyed getting out and playing pool with friends at the Senior Center, working out at a health club, and getting a weekly hot dog at Costco. A 4th of July holiday celebration was not complete without Larry's famous BBQ chicken and his "secret sauce." Larry served as a eucharistic minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic church and found his faith in God to be a driving comfort in both how he lived and even in how he died. His final words in his memoir aptly capture Larry's sense of love for those he called family: "My ride through life has been filled with many blessings and a few setbacks, but all in all it's been a good ride. My final wish for all of you would be that your ride is smooth and your road is long."
A Memorial Service and celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Monday, October 14th at 10am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naperville, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.