Harold R. Gidel

Mr. Harold R. Gidel, age 97 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., formerly of Decatur, Ill., passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014, at St. Joseph Bluffs surrounded by his family. Harold was born on November 17, 1916, in Calhoun County, Iowa, a son of Albert and Iva Adele (Hutzell) Gidel. He was married on April 19, 1942, in the First United Methodist Church, Decatur, Ill. to Dorothy I. Reed, who preceded him on death on October 10, 2011. Harold was a 1934 graduate of Rockwell City High School in Iowa and attended Browns Business College in 1936, and later attended Millkin University, Decatur, Ill. Harold proudly served in the United States Army during World War II from 1942, until he was honorably discharged in 1945. He spent the majority of his professional career as a Revenue Officer with the Internal Revenue Service from 1951 until June 1977. He had previously been employed with Banker's Life Insurance Co. from 1946-1951, and Citizen's National Bank, Decatur, Ill. After retiring from the IRS in 1977, he returned to Citizens National Bank from 1978-1982. Harold had a strong faith throughout his entire life. He was baptized and joined the Methodist Church in Rockwell City, Iowa in 1932, and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Ill. from 1937 until 2009. Harold was active with the First United Methodist Men's Club. A resident of the Decatur, Illinois area for the majority of his life, Harold belonged to the Golden K. Kiwanis Club and the Jaycees. He was also a member of the University of Illinois Quarterback Club. In 2009, he and his wife, Dorothy, moved to Jefferson City, Mo. to be closer to their daughter. He enjoyed traveling, photography, ballroom dancing, and loved big band music. Most importantly, he cherished time with his family and friends. Survivors include: two daughters, Julie G. Callaghan and her husband Michael of Belleville, Ill. and Jeanann G. Neighbors and her husband David of Jefferson City, Mo.; one brother, Darwin A. Gidel and his wife Carolyn of Henderson, Nev.; four grandchildren, Nathaniel Callaghan of St. Louis, Mo., Alyssa Callaghan of Belleville, Ill., Tyler Bartimus and his wife Brooke of Jefferson City, Mo. and Haley Bartimus of Jefferson City, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 72 years, Dorothy, and one sister, Thelma Gidel. Visitation will be held at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur, Ill. from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014, and a second visitation from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Ill. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Kathy King-Nobles officiating. Graveside services and interment with military honors will be held at Union Cemetery, Oreana, Ill. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church of Decatur, Ill. or the donor's choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary in Jefferson City, Mo. www.freemanmortuary.com