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Gilbert Gerhardt Fruetel obituary, 11/14/06


Gilbert Gerhardt Fruetel, age 86, of Lester Prairie, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2006 at Glencoe Regional Health Services Long Term Care Unit, where he had resided for the past three years.
He was born April 29, 1920 in rural Lester Prairie, the son of Edward and Stella (Packer) Fruetel. Gilbert was baptized and confirmed at the United Church Of Christ in Lester Prairie. He attended country school close to his home.
Gilbert was united in marriage with Roslyn D. Bovy Nov. 13, 1941 at the Church Of Peace in Norwood.
He enlisted into the US Army at Ft. Snelling Feb. 9, 1942, as a combat infantryman, and served in New Guinea and the Southern Philippines Liberation. Gilbert was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, and six Overseas Service Bars. He received his honorable discharge Nov. 14, 1945 at Camp McCoy, Wis.
Gilbert was employed at the grain elevator in Norwood, and by Thermo King. He had also served as the janitor for Church Of Peace in Norwood for 27 years.
Gilbert was an active member of Church Of Peace, serving on the church’s council and many committees.
He was also a past member of the Edward Born American Legion, where he was a past commander.
Gilbert enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, hunting and fishing, and fixing and tinkering with many things. He loved being a father and grandfather.
Gilbert is survived by his daughters, Nancy Polifka (husband Ken), Bonnie Fruetel, all of Glencoe, and Denise Lovelette of Norwood Young America; grandchildren Amy Trippel (husband Troy), Cory Polifka (wife Jody), all of Glencoe, and Jesse Lovelette (special friend Mollie Minkel) of Norwood Young America; and great-grandchildren Alissa Templin, Matthew Templin, and Mason Trippel.
He is further survived by sisters and brothers, Mildred Feltmann of Norwood Young America, Leslie Fruetel (wife Helen) of Texas, Marcella Fruetel of Glencoe, Leonard Fruetel (wife Sonja) of Cosmos, Wilfred Fruetel (wife Phyllis) of St. Louis Park, and Ralph Fruetel (wife Elaine) of Colorado; sisters-in-law Elaine Fruetel, and Vera Fruetel, both of Lester Prairie; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; son-in-law Daniel Lovelette; grandson Josh Lovelette; brothers Elmer, Howard and Virgil; and brother-in-law Harold Feltmann.
Funeral services were Friday, Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. at the Church Of Peace in Norwood Young America with the Rev. Lynda A. Johnson officiating. The organist was Sherry Quast. Soloist Shonna Caswell sang “On Eagle’s Wings.” The congregational hymns were “In The Garden” and “America, The Beautiful.” Interment was in the Forest Hill Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Norwood Young America American Legion.
Serving as casket bearers were Amy and Troy Trippel, Mason Trippel, Cory and Jody Polifka, Jesse Lovelette, Mollie Mincel, Alissa Templin, and Matthew Templin.
Arrangements were by the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel in Norwood Young America.

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