Alan James Giles

Alan James Giles, age 64, of Belle Plaine, MN, entered eternal life on Monday, August 4, 2025, while surrounded by his family.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 West First Street, Jordan, MN and an additional visitation on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 10-10:45 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11 am, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 313 East Second Street, Jordan. Father Neil Bakker will preside. Alan will be laid to rest at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Belle Plaine, MN.

Alan James Giles was born on July 14, 1961, in Shakopee, Minnesota, to Doug and Olivia Giles. He was the third of six children and grew up alongside his siblings: Betty, Dale, Wanda, Shelley, and Doug. From an early age, Alan had a passion for working on cars, especially with his dad, and was known for raising a little hell in his beloved 1963 Impala, which he bought at just 15 years old. That car got him into a bit of trouble in his youth, and he often joked that he only had his license for a few months at a time back then. Although he had to sell the Impala in his 20s to pay bills, he later bought it back and, with help from his brother-in-law, Tim, restored it to its original glory.

Alan married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Evelyn Schmidt, on August 27, 1982, at Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three children: Dallas, Sara, and Dustin. Alan was incredibly proud of his children and welcomed their spouses, Michele, Ryan, and Brittany, with open arms. He loved having “more daughters” and always appreciated how Ryan could “talk dirt” with him for hours. Some of the family's fondest memories are of sitting in the shop with Dad, sharing stories and receiving common-sense advice about any topic, usually over a few cold beverages.

Alan would often say, “I have the best life and the best family a guy could ever dream of.”

He began working in his teens at Apco and Block & Tile before finding his career home at Friedges Inc. An expert heavy equipment operator, he took great pride in moving earth with precision. He worked there until his retirement in 2016 and could often be heard reminiscing about his construction days, pointing out roads, ball fields, and neighborhoods he helped build. Alan also served on the Blakeley Township Board and was always willing to lend a hand. He held himself, and others, to a high standard and believed deeply in doing a job well.

In 1993, Alan moved his family to a peaceful plot of land outside Belle Plaine. He took his young family down a small path where the driveway is now, describing his vision for a beautiful walk-out in the woods. Others doubted him, but he cleared the land himself and built something truly special. Though Nancy initially worried it was too far from town, she quickly came to love the quiet beauty of their slice of heaven.

Alan loved being on the water and spent many summer-weekends cruising Lake Minnetonka with family and friends on the pontoon. Those boat landings brought out his spirited side, if you know what we mean, especially when the docks were crowded!

He was the proud grandpa of 12 grandchildren, who absolutely adored him. He was their Halloween hayride captain, trusty side-by-side driver, and snack buddy, often accepting Snickers bars as payment. His grandkids knew he was always up for an adventure.

After retiring, Alan and Nancy took to the road, trucking cross-country together, snacking and sightseeing across the U.S. They eventually found a second home in Salome, Arizona, where they explored the desert in their ATV, sat around bonfires, listened to music, and made lifelong friendships. Alan often said that driving through those box canyons felt like John Wayne could appear at any moment.

Alan was a man of deep values, a loving husband and father, a hard worker, and a steadfast provider. He taught his children to love Jesus, take pride in their work, and stay close as a family. Sundays were especially sacred: church with Nancy and the kids, followed by a big egg breakfast (with plenty of bacon) and then a well-earned nap.

He lived life fully and loved fiercely. Whether he was loading trucks, raising his kids, or exploring the West with Nancy, Alan gave everything his all. His strength was the family’s rock during life’s storms. To those who knew him, he was larger than life, genuine to his core, and respected by everyone who crossed his path. He had a one-of-a-kind way of telling stories about the adventures of life.

He loved his beer, always with a cheerful “Yummy!”, and had a soft spot for his hair, denim, and cowboy boots. Most never saw him in tennis shoes. He had a deep love for music and could tell you the story and memory behind every one of his favorite songs.

To many, he seemed intimidating at first glance, but his warm smile told you everything would be okay. It didn’t take long for people to see the kind heart behind that tough exterior.

Throughout all the jobs and the ups and downs of life, there was only one woman: our mother, Nancy. They truly complemented each other on this journey through life. She lit up his world with her spontaneity and happiness. While neither of them wanted this part of the story to end, it’s safe to say that it turned into a truly great love story.