Norma & Kenneth 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. Kay and Sandy married at the LeRoy Lutheran Church on July 16, 1950. They were married a month shy of 75 years. 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.
Norma Jean “Sandy” (Sanderson) Stiles, 96, of St. Charles, passed away on June 3, 2025, at Whitewater Healthcare Services in St. Charles, Minnesota.
Born on May 11, 1930, in Alta Vista, Iowa, Sandy was the daughter of Ruth (Jones) Sanderson and Adolph C. Sanderson. She moved to LeRoy, MN in the 9th grade, where she met the love of her life when they were in the same class together.
Throughout her life, Sandy embraced her roles with unwavering dedication. She was a devoted wife and mother, cherishing her family and nurturing strong, loving relationships.
Sandy’s passions were many, and she expressed her creativity and care through her varied interests. Gardening and playing piano brought her much joy. Her hands were often busy with sewing, knitting, crafting, and quilting, where she demonstrated remarkable skill and patience. She was known to be a prolific quilter, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful handmade quilts.
Kay and Sandy are survived by their 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, Colsen, 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, Bruno, and Swayze.
They are preceded in death by their parents, George & Hazel Stiles and Adolph & Ruth Sanderson; siblings, Beverly Van Dyke, Worth Stiles, Dean Sanderson, Bob Sanderson; and son-in-law, Bill Nessler.
We will celebrate the lives of both Kay and Sandy Stiles with a joint memorial service on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Hoff Funeral Home in St. Charles, MN at 3pm with visitation beginning at 2pm.
Hoff Funeral Home – St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.
