Robert LeRoy Giles, age 82, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Robert was born on August 8, 1944, in McKinney, Texas. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to South Dakota, where his mother, Ruth (Hewlett), married Winfield Baker and grew their family.

In 1962, Robert joined the U.S. Army. He served a three-year term at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before receiving an honorable discharge in 1965. Shortly after his service, he met the love of his life, Linda Keeler—which Bob attested was love at first sight. The couple was married on April 30, 1966.

A true jack-of-all-trades, Bob was a carpenter, plumber, tree trimmer, and mechanic throughout his life, though his greatest talents shone in carpentry and mechanics. In the early years of their marriage, Robert and Linda lived in several places before settling in Grand Forks, North Dakota, as their children began school. Robert worked dedicatedly for American Crystal Sugar for 32 years. Upon his retirement in 2007, he and Linda moved to Pierre, South Dakota. Retirement gave Bob and Linda more time to enjoy some of the things they loved most—fishing, traveling in their RV, and taking their pontoon out on the water. In 2019, they fulfilled Linda’s lifelong dream by moving to their home near the Black Hills in Belle Fourche, South Dakota.

Robert and Linda were the ultimate caretakers. Together, they devoted their lives to caring for others, including their children, aging parents, relatives, and friends. Robert was a constant pillar of support and a go-to resource for every child and grandchild. Nothing brought him more joy than helping someone complete a project, lending a hand, or offering thoughtful advice on a problem. Above all, he cherished his family and was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda; his parents, Winfield and Ruth Baker; his brother, Steven Baker; his father- and mother-in-law, Friend and Ovada Keeler; and several extended family members.

Robert is survived by his children, James (Becky) Giles, Janel Giles, and Realene (Chad) Olson; his brothers, Keith Giles and Harold Baker; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a large circle of extended family and friends who will miss him deeply.

“A good man’s hands build a legacy of love, and his heart lives on in the family he nurtured.” Robert is now reunited with his sweet Linda, resting peacefully in the comfort of everlasting love.

Services will be held at 10:00AM Friday, September 11, 2026, at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish.

There is a block room discount at the AmericInn in Belle Fourche. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Fisher House Foundation

https://www.fisherhouse.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/ 

Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military & veteran families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital.

Arrangements are pending with Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com