Earl J. Gall

Earl James Gall, 80, of Ellendale, ND died November 25, 2023 at his home in Ellendale, ND. Earl was born to Fred & Minnie (Ackerman) Gall on April 18, 1943, on the family farm near Blanchard, ND, along with his twin brother, Paul. He attended Greenfield Country School through the 5^th grade; then finished grade school in Wishek after the family moved to a farm northeast of Wishek. He graduated from Wishek High School and enrolled at Ellendale State Teachers College majoring in Industrial Arts & Physical Education. While going to school, Earl worked many jobs: Kee Brothers Ford, Fehr’s Plumbing and Heating, and he even sold life insurance for a time. Earl joined the Army National Guard in 1966 and served for 11 years. Earl married Dee Anne Crabtree in 1967. They were blessed with three children, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Following his college graduation from UND-Ellendale, Earl and his family moved to Kimball, South Dakota, where he taught Industrial Arts and Physical Education. He coached football, basketball, wrestling, and track. In 1978, the family moved back to Ellendale to construct homes in the new Crabtree Prairieview Addition. In 1982 Earl returned to teaching, working for the Dickey-LaMoure District in Vocational Special Needs. In 1986, Earl joined the Ellendale School District teaching Industrial Arts & Tech., Driver’s Ed, P.E.; and, also, coached girls’ and boys’ basketball for many years. Earl retired in 2003. Throughout his life, he used his construction skills to build two homes for his family. In his spare time, he built garages, out-buildings, furniture, single-family homes, and the Ellendale baseball grandstand. As another side job, he was maintenance and local manager of Ellendale apartment complexes for over 30 years. Earl spent a decade transplanting trees around Dickey County, adding beauty wherever he went. Watching his children and his grandchildren playing sports and doing activities brought joy to Earl’s life. He loved the outdoors and spent many hours fishing, hunting, golfing, and enjoying time at Pheasant Lake with family and friends. Earl was a dedicated Ellendale Cardinal, Jamestown Jimmie, Redfield Pheasant, Jamestown Blue Jay, and Northern Wolves fan. Earl is survived by his wife: Dee Anne Gall of Ellendale, ND; his children: Keith (Karen) Gall of Redfield, SD; Kevin (Jennifer) Gall of Jamestown, ND, Shelley (Dennis) Mansavage of Jamestown, ND; and grandchildren: Macy and Addison Mansavage; Payton, Ethan, and Preston Gall; Rylie, Morgan, Nolan, Hayden Gall; and Kole (Josie) DeSpiegler; great-grandchildren: Graham and Ivy DeSpiegler. Four brothers: Alfred (Carol), Ronald (Loretta), Paul (Donna), and Edward (Virginia) Gall. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Minnie Gall; his in-laws J.D. and Esther Crabtree; and his sister, Margaret Anderson. Earl was an active member in many organizations over the years including: Presbyterian-United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge, Masons, School Board, Jaycees, Legion Baseball, Country Club, Historical Society, and Quarterback Club.

 

Condolences may be addressed to: PO Box 604, Ellendale, ND 58436.

Gifts of remembrance should be directed to your favorite local charity.

 

The memorial service with Military Honors will be 11am Friday, December 1, 2023 at Presbyterian United Methodist Church, Ellendale with Pastor Barbara Krumm officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church. There will be a private family burial at Ellendale City Cemetery. Earl’s memorial service will be live streamed here on his obituary page. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale.