Richard Oscar Gackle age 84 went home to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, February 18, 2008 in Circle, MT. Richard was born May 31, 1923 to Andrew and Pauline Gackle on the homestead in the Watkins community.
He attended grade school at the Elhard School. Richard attended and graduated from Terry High School in Terry, MT. After graduating from high school he attended Montana State University in 1941-42. Richard then made the decision to return home to work on the family farm.
On June 3rd, 1945 he married Edna Virginia Sept in the Zion Congregational Church in Watkins, MT. Richard and Edna worked with his parents until they purchased a farm 3 miles north of Circle in 1949, where they madetheir family home and were blessed with their eight children. Together they farmed, ranched and operated one of the few dairy farms in McCone County.
During his years of working on the farm and raising his family, the main focus was his commitment to his Lord and service to the Evangelical Church. His dedication to his church consisted of being a Sunday school teacher, Youth leader, Mens for Missions and serving on the local Church Council for many years. He also served as local delegate to Evangelical Church Conferences for a number of years. Richard, known for his love of music, was a member of the Church choir and Men’s Quartet, and also making himself available for any musical ministry in the church.
In 1977 Richard retired from farming. In his retirement he drove school bus and also worked part time at Eissinger Equipment. In those years, he enjoyed gardening with his wife, Edna and continued to help on the farm where ever he was needed. One of the most exciting things during his retirement years was to be able to realize a dream come true, which was seeing a new church being built. Richard was so thankful to be physically able to participate in any task, large or small, from the beginning to the completion of the new facility.
Richard is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 62 years, Edna; his children, Merlin (Lynne) Gackle, Tampa, FL; Marilyn (Mike) Leikam, Worden, MT; Myron (Pauline) Gackle, Circle, MT; Marlys (Dennis) Erickson, Vida, MT; Marzene (Jose) Bustos, Billings, MT; Marlo (Jeri) Gackle, Loganville, GA; Michael (Kyleen) Gackle, Circle, MT; Maynard Gackle, Billings, MT. In addition, he leaves behind 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Esther Kogele of Terry, MT, several cousins and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Pauline Gackle; his sister, Elsie and (Solomon) Lackman; his brother, Albert and (Elaine) Gackle; and brother, Erwin Gackle.
Richard’s wish is that memorials will be used for Christian Ministry.
Visitation will be held Sunday, February 24, 2008 at the Circle Evangelical Church from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. with a Family Service at 5:00 p.m. His Funeral Service will be Monday, February 25, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the Circle Evangelical Church. Interment will follow at Dawson Memorial Cemetery, Glendive.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.