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Eugene "Gene"
Gackle • 1924 - 2006 Eugene was born July 31, 1924, the son of Otto and Katherine (Wolfe) Gackle, in Bismarck, the oldest of three children. They lived in Fredonia, ND, until 1934, when they moved to Velva. He attended school in Velva, and graduated from Velva High School in 1942. He furthered his education at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, until 1943. Gene enlisted in the United States Navy in November 11, 1943, serving as a pharmacist's mate during the Pacific Campaign. He was then drafted into the Marine Corps, before being honorably discharged in 1946. Gene was united in marriage to Hazel Michaelson on November 29, 1946, in Towner, ND. Following their marriage, the couple made their home on the West Coast for one year, before returning, to Velva. He was active in the Mouse River Oil Company with his father, eventually taking over the business, before retiring in August of 1992, when his sons, Eugene Jr., and Robert took over. Gene was a member of the Methodist Church, the American Legion post #39, Association of Commerce, Jaycees, Lions Club, Golf Club, past president of the PTA and the Park board, all of Velva. Enjoyed many sporting activities, baseball, bowling, hunting and fishing. His greatest joy was spending time with his family at the Strawberry Lake cabin. He was a devoted husband, father and a good friend to many people. He is survived by: Wife of 59 years, Hazel Gackle, Velva, ND; Children: Eugene G, (Nancy) Gackle, Minot; Renee (Ron) Ballou, Lincoln, NE; Gerard (Linda) Gackle, Grand Forks; David (Nancy) Gackle, Aberdeen, SD; Rebecca Gackle, Grand Forks; Mary (David) Anderson, Louisville, KY; Robert (Cheri) Gackle, Velva; Suzanne (Matt) Watne, Minot; Mark (Chris) Gackle, Prior Lake, MN; sister, Rose (Dick) Laney, Bel Air, MI; 14 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Eugene was preceded in death by, his parents, twin sons, Timothy and Terry, and brother Roger. Visitation: Sunday, April 2, 2006 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Velva, ND. Funeral Scripture Service: Monday, April 3, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Cecelia's Catholic Church, Velva. Burial: Velva Community Cemetery, Velva Service Participants: Father James Gross, St. Cecilia's Catholic Church and Pastor Geoff Hilton, Velva Methodist Church Music: Processional hymn, "Just a Closer Walk
with Thee" Honorary Bearers: Gene's family and friends Active Bearers: Eugene Gackle, David Gackle, Mark Gackle,
Gerard Gackle, Robert Gackle David Anderson |