Harry Gimbel

Harry Elmer Gimbel, 97, Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, Bismarck. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, October 3, 2016, at Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. Thomas R. Marcis officiating. Visitation is scheduled for 3-5:00 PM, Sunday, October 2, 2016, with a prayer service beginning at 4:30 PM, at DaWise-Perry Funeral Services, Mandan. Visitation continues one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck.

Harry was born February 21, 1919, in rural Hazelton, the oldest of 13 children, to John and Margret (Helfenstein) Gimbel. He was raised and educated in Hazelton where he graduated high school in 1937. He farmed with his parents, until accepting a job with Occident Elevator in 1940. In May 1941, he was drafted into the Army and served 4 1/2 years, mostly in the South Pacific, including New Guinea and Luzon of the Philippines. He was a signal chief and radio operator in the 6th Signal Company, 6th Infantry Division supplying communication for various units of Division and Army Corps. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.

After the war, he married Tillie Roehrich in Mandan on September 22, 1947. They moved to Bismarck where he was a carpenter building homes. He enjoyed working with wood and especially enjoyed building things for his children and grandchildren. The grandchildren built many airplanes with Grandpa as they were growing up. Harry and Tillie enjoyed square dancing for many years, and they loved traveling to different parts of the country. They enjoyed 48 1/2 years of life together until her death on December 31, 1995.

Harry was a member of the American Legion and life member of the VFW. He was also a member of Zion Lutheran Church since 1947, and served as an elder. There are several pieces of his handiwork on display in the church. Harry was well known for his sense of humor, and he almost always had a story to tell. He loved to dance and play cards. He married Alice Schiele on September 14, 2001. Harry thoroughly enjoyed his trip to Washington, DC with fellow veterans on the Roughrider Honor Flight. He was able to see the World War II Memorial and was treated like a hero.

He is survived by his children, Sharon (Stephen) Hill, Duane Gimbel, and Marge (Edgar) Rohr; his grandchildren, Shannon Cole, Suzanne (Byron Gordon) Cole, Jamieson (Lauren) Rohr, Benjamin Gimbel, Joseph Rohr, and Sarah Cole; his great-grandchildren, Cary Register, Caitlyn Hoffpauir, Katarina Gordon, Samson Gordon, Callum Gordon, and Harrison Rohr; brothers, Henry Gimbel, Edwin Gimbel, and Richard Gimbel; and sisters, Irene Salhus and Edna Kopp.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Gimbel; brothers, LeRoy Gimbel and George Gimbel; sisters, Baby Alice Gimbel, Esther Paulson, Alma Opp, Annetha Schmitt, and Delores Yost.