Albert Gackle, 84, of Richland, Washington slipped peacefully away from the bounds of this world on the morning of April 13, 2005. Albert was the third of five children born to a German immigrant and his wife from North Dakota. Albert grew up ranching and farming their homesteaded land in eastern Montana. His heart was in the prairie. He often longed for one last horse ride at sunset.

On June 17, 1942, Albert was recruited into the Army for the service to our country as an Army Air Force mechanic in World War II. His tour included the Central Europe Campaign. During his tour he was decorated with the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Service Ribbon, the American-Theater Service Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged from service on December 20, 1945, miraculously with out any combat injuries.

Shortly after Albert’s military discharge, he experienced God’s call to ministry. He enrolled in college and later seminary where he was ordained as a minister in the Evangelical United Brethren Church EUB. During his college years he met a young maiden from a Nebraskan farming family at Yankton College in South Dakota. Their courtship became a life partnership on June 11th, 1950. A year later on August 5th, their first of four children was born. Albert’s ministry took him into Oregon, Texas, Montana and North Dakota. However, the most of his ministry was spent in eastern Montana and western North Dakota his heart, called by God, was for the people of the prairie. In 1977, Albert stepped out of active ministry because of health issues, and eventually retired from that call in 1985. His latter working years were spent as a motor parts warehouse clerk in Billings, Montana; but his heart and soul was still devoted to the work of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to those that would hear his story. He continued in volunteer ministerial roles and Sunday School teaching. Albert was also bilingual and preached to German-speaking congregations many times throughout his ministry.

In late 2002, Albert and his wife Elaine moved to the Tri-Cities, Washington area to be closer to their children. During his short time here, he became known and loved by those around him for his prayers and tender heart. Albert is survived by his wife Elaine of 55 years, his four children, six grandchildren with number 7 on the way, and one great grandchild.

His signature prayer, “May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ bless and keep you and his mercies watch over,” has become his legacy to those of us who knew him best. It will be difficult to imagine life on this earth without those words and him.

Memorial services will be held 12:00 PM Friday, April 22, 2005 at Richland First Church of the Nazarene. Visitation will be Thursday the 21st from 5:00-8:00 PM at Einan’s Funeral Home.