Gary Allen Giles

Gary Allen Giles died unexpectedly on Sunday October 15, 2023, while at the place he loved most- his cabin up north.  He was born June 5, 1954, the son of the late Walter and Doris (Hintz) Giles.  On August 27,1977, he married Donna Ritzman and together they shared 46 years. Gary graduated from Menasha High School in 1973 and attended Milwaukee Technical College where he completed a 4-year apprenticeship as a glazier in 1982.

 

He worked at Hoffer Glass until starting his own company in 1993.  Selling his company 11 years later he finished his working career at Omni Glass and retired in 2014. In 2021 he joined the Airport Avis team where he met lots of new friends. He called Avis his “fun job.”

 

Gary was a talented craftsman and loved to build, whether it was wood toys for his grandchildren, furniture or larger projects like the cabin and barn that he built from the ground up. It was here that he enjoyed his many other hobbies including hunting, fishing, gardening, and making maple syrup with his family.

 

Gary had a witty sense of humor and could fill a room with laughter. His greatest joy in life was his family. He was extremely proud of his children and adored his grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to support them. He seldom missed a sporting event, concert, family gathering or celebration.

 

Gary will sadly be missed by his loving wife Donna; their three children: Angie (Paulo) deMoraes, Aaron (Erin) Giles, and Jon (Crystal) Giles; grandchildren: Jennifer, Bela, Ana, Gabe Adi, and Bentley. He is further survived by siblings: Sandy Wilson, Penny Giles, Tim (Melanie) Giles and Rob (Kim) Giles; sisters and brothers-in-law: Debbie Giles, Jeff (Julie) Ritzman, Greg Ritzman, Gloria (Ted) Banker, Kevin (Anne) Ritzman, nephews and nieces: Eric Wilson, Carly Giles, Chad Giles, Jaclyn Anderson, Joshua Ritzman, Matt Ritzman, Keri Fuller, Morgan Banker, Wes Banker, Tommy Banker, Soundarya Ritzman, and Reena Ritzman.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law; brother Wally Giles; nephew Russ Wilson; sister-in-law Cheryl Ritzman and best friend Tim Mann.

 

A memorial mass for Gary will take place on Friday October 27, 2023, at 11:00am at St Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, N2385 Municipal Drive, Greenville.  Friends and family may gather at the church 9:00-11:00. 

 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.

 

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers we have received; this support has brought us such comfort at a difficult time. In addition, to the first responders & sheriff’s departments of Waupaca, Marathon and Shawano Counties-thank you for your tireless efforts. A special note of gratitude to Frank Stroik for his efforts and to Father Michael for making the journey to the cabin to offer spiritual guidance.