Richard Stiles

Richard Stiles age 74 of Plainfield, IA, died Saturday, June 23, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 5, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Nashua with Rev. Diane Odermann presiding. Internment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Nashua with full military honors by Nashua VFW Post #153 Thompson Fisher.

Friends may greet the family from 2-6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home — Olson Chapel in Nashua. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Online condolences for Richard’s family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com

Richard Dale Stiles was born March 16, 1944 in Charles City, IA at the Floyd County Hospital, the son of Charles Dale Stiles and Clover Arlene (Anderson) Stiles. While Richard was being born, his father was on a train to go to war that passed through Charles City. It wasn’t until later correspondence that they realized the timeline of events. Richard attended Floyd Consolidate Schools until the 11th grade before graduating from Charles City High School. He took some classes at Upper Iowa University in Fayette before enlisting in the United States Army.

On April 8, 1965 he became part of the United States Armed Forces and retired on Sept. 30, 1997 with over thirty years dedicated to serving his country. Master Sergeant Stiles was awarded the Legion of Merit for providing “extra mile” services for hundreds of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers. The army did not allow his tires to get cold. Richard served in Vietnam, active duty. He continued active duty in RCPAC St. Louis, MO, then Fort McPhearson in Atlanta, GA, then Fort Stewart, GA, then Fort Belvior, VA. While he was there he worked at the Pentagon. During most of his career he wrote policies for the army that are still used today.

He met the love of his life, Lola Banser, in Charles City. The couple were married on May 26, 1979 and to this union three children were born.

Retiring in 1997 Richard moved his family to Iowa. He kept himself busy working in lawn care around Waverly for 7 years. He also worked for Home Depot in Minnesota, Per Mar and Security for Wartburg College for a number of years. In his free time he enjoyed playing cribbage with his family and friends, driving his jeep, golfing with his cousin Jill, fishing and reading. Richard like to brush up on his history and trivia from time to time. He had a very dry sense of humor and really enjoyed telling colorful jokes and stories. You could often catch him eating Lola’s homemade caramels and cinnamon rolls.

He was a supportive husband, an honored veteran, a loving father and a loyal friend that will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife Lola, of Plainfield, IA; two sons, Dave (Jennifer) Stiles of Washington, DC, William Stiles of Charleston, SC ; two daughters, Betsy (Jeff) Orloff of Chesterland, OH, Alisha Stiles of Plainfield, IA; seven grandchildren, Caleb, Katelyn, Quintin, Landyn, Olivia, Matthew, Quin; one sister, Faye (David) Paulus of Floyd, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents.