Wiles, Karen Kay

Karen Kay Wiles, passed away Saturday, October 28, 2017, at HCI Care Services Kavanagh House in Des Moines. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, November 10, 2017, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A reception will follow at Christopher's Restaurant. Karen was born December 16, 1939, in Slater, IA, to the late Ben and Harriet (Sheldahl) Hokel. She attended Slater Grammar School and High School where she played basketball, was a member of the majorettes and cheer squad. She married Melvin E. (Sonny) Wiles, Jr. on June 22, 1958, in Slater, IA. Karen and Sonny raised three beautiful children in Grimes, IA and were married for 17 cherished years until his passing in June, 1977. They shared a deep undying love that lasted until her final breath. Karen worked as a salesperson for Halo Advertising for 25 years and was an active member of the community. She served on the board of the Rooftop Committee which partners with schools and communities in low-income neighborhoods of Des Moines to both foster the spirit of Christmas and help kids realize what their future could hold by working hard, staying ...[more]

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school and out of trouble. Karen Wiles was an amazing soul, beautiful both inside and out. Both thoughtful and generous, she was a best friend to many as her great group of girlfriends could attest. Much of her free time was spent with the ladies for dinner and lunch dates and an occasional trip to the casino. She had a deep love for music, dancing, cooking and most importantly her family. Karen treasured spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever she had the opportunity. Karen is survived by children, Kim (Ron) Giudicessi of Des Moines, Denny (Marietta) Wiles of Colleyville, TX, and Ted Wiles; her siblings, Betty Snider of Ames, IA, Carl Hokel of Huxley, IA and Marilyn (Steve) Thomas of Ames, IA; nine grandchildren, Bryndon Wiles, Brittni Wiles, Macaylla Wiles, Marissa Wiles, Sonni Giudicessi, Jasmine (Max) Eubank, Logan (Jenna) Giudicessi, Riley (Betsy) Wiles, D.J. (Alley) Wiles, Stephanie Fontana; eight great-grandchildren, Dayton Wiles, Truman and Siena Eubank, Bella, George, Penelope and Kenny Wiles, and Sierra Lynn Hilgenberg; She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister, Phyllis Milani. Memorial contributions may be made to The Rooftop Foundation. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com. ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES ~ DUNN'S CHAPEL. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Karen Kay Wiles, please visit our Tribute Store. To read the full obituary, please click here: http://www.ilesfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Karen-Kay-Wiles/Des-Moines-Iowa/1761120