Thinking about you, Celeste, often this year, wondering how you are, praying God holds you close. Each time I pray for you, a memory pops up . We had just returned from interning. You and Jack invited us and others to your place. You and another couple (sorry I can't remember their names) were discussing small things married couples chat about.  And the discussion turned to how to choose which garbage can to buy and where to buy one.  I was still a happy go lucky in love college girl thinking, is this what I'll talk about when we're married? Come on. We're just gonna have fun!  Silly girl. Yup, garbage cans, and kids, love and loss, shared times in all circumstances. Thanks for having us over and the glimpse you and Jack gave us about marriage to impact me for a lifetime. Praying for you today and smiling a bit as I think about you and Jack and garbage cans long ago.

Celeste, just saw the notice in the LW. Heart-felt Christian sympathy to you and your family. Sam

I am so sorry about the death of Jack.  I know that God will be with you at this time.

Dear Celeste, My heart broke for you when I heard of Jack's passing.  What a wonderful man and father. We always enjoyed the time we all had together.  Hug your wonderful children.  Jack was a very special man.  I know we do not have any inkling of the depth of your sorrow and loss, but we hurt for you and your children. We will be keeping you in our prayers for strength and comfort.  
Lummus & Aggie Hannes

Celeste and family, I was shocked and so very saddened at the news of Jack's passing.  He was one of my favorite family members and I always looked forward to seeing him when in Houston.  Such a warm person, he was so easy to talk to and he made people feel listened to.  I will miss him a lot.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you navigate the days ahead.  Sending love from Houston.
Cousin Cindi

Like so many, Celeste, Lou, Bethany, Betsy and Kevin, we deeply grieve Jack's death.  He was a very rare man who walked his talk.  He was a Christ-like servant leader of the first order.  His influence will continue to be strong through KINDLE and other entities of the church.  Thank-you for sharing him with us over all these years.  Our love in Jesus... Bill and Michele Karpenko

Dear Celeste and Family, we were saddened to hear about Jack.  I remember with fondness Mother and Dad telling about their visit with you all.  They enjoyed your hospitality.  Aunt Hildegard always speaks so highly of you all and your family.  May our gracious Lord give you peace and comfort in the days ahead.  Cousins from Houston,
Larry and Marti Huseman

Dear Celeste, we were shocked and saddened at the email the NID sent regarding Jack's passing.  We just read it tonight or maybe we could have made arrangements to come today.  We can't turn back the clock, however, so we must be consoled that our Lord has you and your loved ones in his arms as well as your precious Jack.  God walk with you in blessing and consolation.

The Little Ship
I stood watching as the little ship sailed out to sea.
The setting sun tinted its white sails with a golden light.

And as it disappeared from view, a voice at my side whispered, “He is gone”.

But the sea was a narrow one, and on the furthest shore, a little band of family and friends had gathered to watch in happy expectation. Suddenly, they caught sight of the tiny sail.

And at the very moment when my companion had whispered, “He is gone”, a glad shout went up in joyous welcome with the words, “Yes, here he 
comes!”

Blessing, peace and love to the entire family,

So sorry to hear about Jack. Our prayers are with Celeste and family. We remember being in small group with Jack & Celeste many years ago. We still tell each other to “Keep the main thing the main thing”. Love to you all. John & Mary Cook

So sorry to hear about Jack. Our prayers are with Celeste and family. We remember being in small group with Jack & Celeste many years ago. We still tell each other to “Keep the main thing the main thing”. Love to you all. John & Mary Cook.

Jack was a man of grace, humility and integrity.  His life touched not only those in the congregations where he served, but our entire faith community because of the interactions with so many DCE's and other parish professionals.  It was an honor to have known him and studied with him.  Praying God's peace to all who mourn his passing.  I am looking forward to celebrating with him in heaven!

Loved working with Jack at the District office especially when it came to working with the Sr. High and Jr. High Youth groups.  We had a great working relationship. I was disappointed when he left.  My thoughts & prayers are with you Celeste and family.

Jack's passing is a loss for all who knew him. He gave his life to God on earth and I'm sure he's doing the same in Heaven.

Jack was a wonderful man.  We feel fortunate to have known him and were blessed to be touched by his hospitality, warmth, kindness and integrity.  We send our love and hope for comfort to your beautiful family.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sorrowful time.  May you find peace in all of your special memories and strength from God.
                                                                               Jill Evans (Naperville, Il.)

Jack was an amazing example of Christ's humble love for people and God's grace. It was an honor to know him and be taught by him at Concordia. May God be with Celeste and family in this time.

I met Jack through the District youth Ministry in Illinois. Such a man of God and a wonderful role model for those of us just starting out in Ministry.  May the Lord bless his family and bring them comfort in knowing The Lord holds Jack in his hands.

Bill and I had the privilege of knowing Jack through our son Kevin. We had many happy times together.  We enjoyed his company and his sincere concern for us and our extended family. He will be greatly missed.

I have so many fond memories of my time rooming with Jack at Concordia, River Forest. He quickly became a great and lasting friend and it was an honor to be a part of Jack and Celeste's wedding 40 years ago. He was a gift to the Lutheran Church and to all who knew him.  My condolences and love go out to all of the family.

I am so sorry for the pain you are suffering but thankful that because of Jesus, you will see him again.  Jack blessed St. Michael's while he was there introducing small grp. Ministries.  May you find comfort from your friends and family during this sad time.

"I will always remember Jack waving to us with a big smile while we were  pushing the library carts in the Naperville parade."  
                                                                            
                                                                                         Julie Diekmann

Loving you all and praying from afar.  Thanks for sharing Jack with us.  I pray that Jesus will reveal his presence.

The best years of our life were the years we spend in Minnesota while Jack and I served at neighboring congregations in the Twin Cities.  Jack was not just an exceptional model in ministry, but spending time with he and Celeste and other close friends was always filled with laughter and fun.  I cherish the opportunities I had working with Jack on Youth Gathering committees, as well as LEA.  Celeste, our prayers and our hearts are with you and your family!

We are sorry to hear of Jack's passing and we pray for God's comfort and peace to the family in knowing that Jack has a special place in heaven.  He introduced us to small group ministry and we will also think of him fondly.

Celeste & family, I am so sorry for your loss.  Jack was my first mentor as I began ministry and was a friend.  I am blessed to have had the opportunity to work with him in district, synod, and KINDLE activities.  May God richly bless you and grant you comfort at this time.  My prayers are with you.

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please know your family will be in my family's thoughts and prayers.

I'm very sorry for your loss. I remember Jack mostly for his influenced on my ministry  experience at Trinity with one conversation. I also attended a couple if his guitar groups.

Dear Celeste and family, 
I got to know Jack more at each Youth Gathering. He and Celeste were such strong supporters of the Cross Cultural Gatherings. He was so humble, but persistent in asking for the evaluations! I see him in heaven with my husband,  Wendell and they are in awe of the wonders God has for them there. May you feel our Savior's loving arms around you.

Romans 8:38-39
My deepest condolences to all of you.  Heaven received a great man on Monday. Jack was a blessing to me and many others. May God wrap you in His loving arms and bring you peace and confirmation that Jack is indeed home.
Blessings,

In the early 90's, Jack was my buddy and co-worker in the office next to me at Trinity.  What a great guy, loved by all! It is a joy to believe that he is now in heaven, but even though I will miss him greatly on this earth, I celebrate his victory in Jesus.

What a blessing it has been to have worked with Jack in booking the KINDLE meetings here at the University of St. Mary of the Lake.   I will always remember his kindness and humble spirit.  He was truly a servant of the Lord.  Our staff was always aware of his Christ-like demeanor.   
My prayers are with his family, and also the KINDLE family.

Linda Spohn
Conference Center
University of St. Mary of the Lake

Dear Celeste and family...God's peace be with you all as you miss Jack and celebrate his life on both sides of Eternity.  Like so many others whose life Jack touched, I am honored to have known him and consider him to have been among the truly transformational leaders of our Church.  Rich blessings to you....

You will be missed.  I am blessed to have known you and call you my friend.
Prayers of comfort and peace to Celeste, Louie and Betsy and all who mourn your loss.

Til we meet again my friend.

What a dear friend and mentor. Jack always had a kind word, a smile and looked me in the eye. Valued people over things and kept the main thing the Main Thing. Looking forward to seeing him again and for eternity.

I will remember Jack from youth ministry and working with him at the NID office.  He was special!  He inspired me, listened to me and always helped me.  He will be missed.  Heaven's gain in our loss.  Well done Thy good and faithful servant.

Celeste and Family
May God bless you and your family in your hour of need. If we can help in any way, please let us know. Joseph and Sherril Porter (your neighbors).

Our loving thoughts are with you and your dear family! 
Barb & Mark Kleinschmidt ( Fishers, IN )

Met jack at Trinity Lutheran Church  when I first joined the church. Such a love for God and I can still remember some of his sayings. Prayers for you and your family.

Celeste and family we are so sorry to hear about Jack's passing.  May God hold him in the palm of his hand and give him eternal rest.  Our prayers go out to you during this difficult time.  If there is anything we can do to help please call on us.  The Panos Family

Celeste and Family,
We are at a loss for words and at this time are praying that the Holy Spirit will wrap His arms of comfort and peace around you and help you get through the difficult days ahead. Jack was very Christ-like in his life and a true example of a humble man of God.  Many blessings to you Celeste and family.

OBITUARY

Jack Lane Giles

27 April, 1951 – 11 August, 2014

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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