Kenneth "Kay" Stiles

Kenneth "Kay" Stiles, of St. Charles, MN, passed away on March 12, 2026, at Whitewater Healthcare at the age of 96. Born on October 24, 1929, in LeRoy, Minnesota, to parents Hazel (Applen) and George Stiles, Kay was a true example of a life well-lived.

Kay graduated from LeRoy High School and went on to business school, but it was his high school sweetheart, Norma "Sandy" Jean Sanderson, who captured his heart. They tied the knot on July 16, 1950, beginning a partnership filled with love and laughter. Together, they built a life that took them from LeRoy to Rockford, IL, Blooming Prairie, Litchfield, St. Charles, Harvard, and Rochester, MN.

He spent much of his working life at Dean Foods in Rockford, making countless friends along the way. In his spare time, Kay enjoyed golf, trap shooting, and pheasant hunting, always finding joy in the outdoors. He was also passionate about woodworking, creating beautiful pieces. He was patient, kind, loving, and devoted to his wife and family.

Kay is survived by his children, Jan Nessler of St. Charles, Jeff (Lauren) Stiles of Walla Walla, WA, Jean Stiles of Walnut Creek, CA, Jay (Heather) Stiles of Quincy, IL; grandchildren, Tori, Tauni, Bo, Alexandra, Gabrielle, Brett, Laken, Colson, Jensen; great-grandchildren, Taige, Ty, Jersey, Jett, Dean, Teddy Mae, Dempsey, Finnley, Zaylee, and 3 step great-grandkids, Gavin, Graham, Griffin; great-great-grandchildren, Sarah, Slater, Maddyn, Merrik, Murphy, and two more in June 2026.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Sandy; parents, George and Hazel; siblings, Beverly Van Dyke, Worth Stiles; and brothers-in-law, Dean and Bob Sanderson.

A joint memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, to celebrate the lives of both Kay and Sandy Stiles. More details to come.