A celebration of life service for Gilmore “Gil” Arthur Leidal will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Bonnerup Funeral Service Chapel, Albert Lea. The Rev. Richard Spande will officiate. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour before the service.

Gil died peacefully at his home in Albert Lea surrounded by his Crest family and friends. He was 78 years old.

Gil was born on Sept. 1, 1932, to Ruben and Rose (Amundson) Leidal in Shellrock Township in Freeborn County. He attended Glenville School.

Gil worked for Cedar Valley Services in Albert Lea as a production helper for 26 years.

Gil enjoyed going to the many activities that was offered through ARC, fishing, dancing, making beautiful beaded necklaces which he proudly and lovingly presented to his Crest family and friends. Gil also enjoyed horse back riding (he was a cowboy at heart) and was fluent on the harmonica, playing whenever and wherever he was asked. He always ended his music with a robust “Yahoo!” He enjoyed going to the library for movies but his favorite thing to do every Friday was going to Trumbles Restaurant for the best lemon pie in the world.

Gil is survived by numerous Crest family and friends and his housemates: Butch, Keith and Jeremiah.

He was preceded in death by his parents and best friend and housemate Robert “Bob” Hendrickson.

Gil touched the heart of everyone he knew with his larger then life smile and his kind and generous heart. He will be truly missed.

Blessed be his memory.