Albert Gimbel

Albert Gimbel, 87 of Billings, MT passed away on April 19, 2006 at his home. Al was born on December 23, 1918 on a farm near Hazelton, ND. He was one of seven children born to Henry and Katherina Gimbel. When Al was a high school senior, his family moved to Wishek, ND where he met his future bride, Verna Scharf. They were married on September 4, 1942, shortly after Al was inducted into the US Army. He served in the European Theater during WWII as an auto mechanics instructor.

Al began working as a lineman for Montana Dakota Utilities in 1946. He retired in 1980 as District Manager of the Valley City, ND Division after having worked in Linton, Glen Ullin, and Ellendale, ND. His plans to "do a lot of fishing" ended six months later when he was appointed by the governor of North Dakota to serve as a Workmen's Compensation Commissioner.

Al and Verna lived in Bismarck, ND until 1995 when Verna passed away after an extended illness. The following year, Al moved to Billings, MT where he was welcomed by many new friends.

During his lifetime, Al was a member of the American Legion, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, and El Zagal Shrine. He loved to dance and enjoyed the Polka Club in Billings with his sister-in-law and friend, Esther Gimbel.

Al is survived by his daughters, Linda Krein (Ronald), Julie Bobzien (Randy), Norma Jean Gross, and Pat Gimbel (Dennis Lothspeich); six grandchildren; and three great granddaughters. He was preceded in death by Verna, his wife of 54 years; two grandsons, Ryan Bobzien and Steven Krein; and his son-in-law, Ken Gross.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M., on Friday, April 21, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary in Billings. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at 9:00 A.M., on Monday, April 24, with a Memorial service to follow at 10:30 A.M., at Eastgate Funeral Service Chapel in Bismarck, ND.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 2110 Overland Ave, Suite 111, Billings, MT 59102.