Giles Leroy Engstrom

Giles is survived by his sons, Larry Engstrom (Paula) of Crystal Falls, Jerry Engstrom (Brenda) of Show Low, Ariz., Vernon Engstrom (Nick) of Alpha, Les Engstrom of Jefferson, Ore., and daughters Virginia Schmitt (Bryan) of Jefferson, and Charlene Weber (Steve) of Keota, Okla.

He is also survived by his sisters, Janet Noel (Art), snowbirds between Apache Junction, Ariz., and Iron Mountain, and Darlene Fagotti (Alex), also snowbirds, Alpha, and Show Low.

There is also Midge Engstrom (George) with special recognition of Peggy Raisch, Germany.

He is also survived by 22 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; and many cousins and nephews. Giles is further survived by his second wife, Faith Carlson-Hall-Engstrom, Greg Hall (Sheri).

Giles was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Barbara Engstrom; his son, Eric Engstrom; his parents, Sigvard and Adele Engstrom; his brother, George Engstrom; his sister, Beverly Noblet (Edwin); one granddaughter, Lindsey Engstrom; three great-grandchildren, Bailey and Tabitha Jensen, and Benson Engstrom.

Giles was a decorated Korean War veteran, having received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in Korea, along with three bronze stars.

He remained active since returning to the states with the VFW and the American Legion, holding many offices with both organizations.

He also was dedicated to donating money to Veterans Affairs and attending military reunions worldwide. He was also involved with the Lions Club, Elks, and at one time the Vasa Lodge.

Giles attended the Forest Park School system before enlisting into the United States Army.

After returning he was in Santa Barbara, Calif., where he met and married Barbara.

Giles maintained employment in management of copper, iron and gold mines around the United States and Columbia. He also helped engineer a landing strip in Vietnam during that war.

Giles also had a career with the State of California Division of Highways. During that time he and his partner rescued a man from a burning truck exploding with gun shells. For their heroism, they received The Carnegie Hero Award, and the California Medal of Valor from then California Gov. Ronald Reagan.

The National Enquire also did a large write up in their magazine, along with a substantial check. Giles enjoyed fishing having caught a trophy salmon off the California coast. He also enjoyed lake and river fishing.

After retiring and moving back to Alpha he still volunteered with the VFW and the Alpha Village town board, up until his passing. One of his life long passions was bowling and playing team pool, both of which he was excellent at and received many awards. He enjoyed grilling on the BBQ, hosting family members and his many friends.

Giles never knew a stranger. It didn’t matter where he went, Giles always walked out knowing a new friend. He had no barriers to who he would except. Giles was an extreme advocate for veterans, helping many of them research and obtain benefits they weren’t aware of.

Giles loved his family, and always found a way to help.

Giles (our dad) was loved in return and will be sorely missed and thought of often.

Services will be held at Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Services will be open to the public from 3 until 5 p.m.

There will be a service at 5 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Military honors will be observed.

A luncheon will follow at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, provided by the V.F.W. Auxilary, at the Crystal Falls V.F.W. hall, upstairs.

He will be interred at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28 at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls.

Condolences to the family of Giles L. Engstrom may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.