Alton Gail, 78, Wheaton, MN

Alton Gail, 78, of Wheaton, died Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, at Traverse Care Center in Wheaton.

Alton Edward Gail was born July 17, 1929, in Wheaton, to William and Mary (Roman) Gail. He was baptized and confirmed at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in Wheaton, and later became a lifelong member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He graduated from Wheaton High School in 1947. During his high school years he worked at the Wheaton Bakery and was involved in various sports and music.

After high school he worked at Wheaton Auto as a mechanic and later as a Chevy car salesman. He had a passion for cars and could remember the make and model of the car and to whom he sold it. He later was employed by the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier, and worked there until he retired at the age of 60.

On Sept. 2, 1947, he married his high school sweetheart, Lorraine Larson. Their marriage was blessed with seven children. He really enjoyed going to sporting events that his children and grandchildren participated in. He was a faithful and loyal fan of all Wheaton High School events.

Alton enjoyed his life, his family and his friends. His favorite activities included working on cars, talking about cars, fishing, any type of sporting event, flying radio controlled airplanes, and most of all, being with his wife and his family.

Alton was a member of the Wheaton Jaycee's and a volunteer for the Wheaton Fire Department and Wheaton Ambulance crew. He was also a member of the Wheaton Black Sheep Flying Club.

Survivors include his wife Lorraine; seven children, Sandra Conroy of Dumont, Michael and Jean Gail of Wheaton, Richard Gail of Madison, Dennis and Sandy Gail of Big Lake, Scott and Lisa Gail of Fargo, Lori and Brian Draxten of Fergus Falls and Leann and Rick Sando of Rosholt, S.D.; 24 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Barbara Gail of Fergus Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Roman Gail; a son-in-law, James Conroy; and one grandson, Steven Conroy.

Visitation: Today from 5 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the church

Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Wheaton

Clergy: Rev. Tom Olson

Burial: Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton, in the spring

Funeral Home: Ranney Funeral Home, Wheaton

Condolences: www.ranneyfuneralhome.com