Leland R. "Jiggs" Stiles

Leland R. 'Jiggs' Stiles, was born in Rudd, Iowa, the son of William and Ruth Anna (Wagner) Stiles on December 22, 1928. He passed away on August 5, 2025, at Palo Alto County Health System in Emmetsburg, Iowa at the age of 96 years.

Jiggs graduated from Rudd High School in 1946. He entered into the United States Army and was stationed in Germany for two years, driving truck and playing baseball. Upon his return to Iowa, he attended Upper Iowa College. He was united in marriage to Beverly June Mulhern in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on August 6, 1954. They lived in West Union, Iowa, while Jiggs finished his teaching degree. In 1958 he began teaching high school math and coaching golf and baseball at the Graettinger Community School for around the next 30 years. In the 1960's he earned his master's degree in teaching from Penn State. When not teaching, Jiggs kept himself busy managing area golf courses and doing carpentry. Following retirement, the couple enjoyed winters in Florida from 1992 until 2008, when they decided to make Florida their full-time residence. In 2020, they returned to Emmetsburg to be closer to the family. Bev passed away shortly after the move, and Jiggs continued to reside at the Emmetsburg Care Center until his death.

Jiggs was a member of the United Methodist Church in Graettinger. Serving and being involved in the Graettinger community was important to him and he served on the city council and light board. Jiggs had a passion for golfing. He was a long-time member of the Hillcrest Golf Course in Graettinger; where he was the men's club champion and, with Bev as his partner, the couple's membership champion in 1991. They continued to enjoy golfing and trips back to Iowa to spend time with their children and grandchildren after their move to Florida.

Leland is survived by his children Kevin (life partner Lorraine) Stiles of Manson, Iowa, and Marcie (Gary) Taylor of Estherville, Iowa; four granddaughters: Charity (James) Vogel, Erica (Marty) Frank, Rachel Hilton, and Amber Nelson; eight great-grandchildren: Allie, Owen, Kendra, Shawn, Hailey, Kjeirsten, Veronyca, and Asher.; and his sister Dorothy Newton.

Jiggs is preceded in death by his parents; wife Beverly Stiles; daughter Leian Stiles; daughter-in-law Patrica M. (Clipperton) Stiles; brothers Wilford, Eldon, Boyd, and Kenneth Stiles; and sisters Betty Laudner, Lois Johansen, and Arlee Miller.