Gail E. Neukom

Gail Esterby Neukom passed away in Fargo, ND November 15, 2015 with her children by her side. She was born September 27, 1928 to Amandus and Oline Esterby in Minot, ND. She was the third of six children.
Gail graduated from Minot High School but she was not able to walk across the stage to accept her diploma as her senior year she was in bed with rheumatic fever and completed her studies from home. After she recovered she went to work at the Ward County Treasurer's Office for her father who was the County Treasurer.
Gail married Chester G. Neukom in Minot on August 19, 1951. They moved to Fort Riley, KS while Chet served in the army. Daughter Nancy was born there in 1952. Sons Rick and Mark were both born in Minot, in 1954 in 1960, respectively. Gail loved being a mother and was a wonderful cook, baker, and seamstress. She prioritized setting a beautiful table for family gatherings. Gail enjoyed playing bridge, both with Chet and with her friends. She followed her children's activities, emphasizing the importance of music, the arts, and education. Gail supported Chet's career and the family moved to Jamestown in 1969 when Chet's employer, Haybuster, Inc., relocated there from Minot.
Chet passed away in December 1988. Gail's faith provided her with strength during this time. She immersed herself in church and community activities. She attended local high school games and musical events and she frequently traveled to Devils Lake for concerts of grandsons Jason and Sean Neukom and their dad Rick.
Gail loved to travel and spend time with her family. She and Chet traveled extensively in the United States. They also went to Mexico, to many places in Canada and Europe, and to Germany to see Mark while he served in the Army. Sometimes there were road trips to see sisters in Wyoming or St. Cloud; the grandchildren would often go along and they still tell stories of driving with Grandma Gail. Gail and her sisters enjoyed attending the annual Norsk HostFest in Minot. One of her favorite experiences was when she and Gloria took their dad to visit his birthplace in Norway.
Gail is survived by daughter Nancy and her husband Pat Lyons of Brookings, son Rick of Devils Lake, and son Mark and his wife Shirley of Crystal, MN; four grandchildren - Mandy (Bill) deBlonk of Brookings, Meghan (Joji) Calabro of Kansas City, Sean Neukom and Jason Neukom, both of Pittsburgh, two great grandsons - Chet and Wyatt deBlonk and two great granddaughters - Sophie and Shelby Nordvik; sister Carol Clemetson, Gloria Rakness and brother-in-law Richard Rakness of Sartoga, WY; sister Renee Schei of Avon, MN, brother Bob Esterby of Minot, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Chet Neukom, daughter-in-law, Marie Neukom, brother Art Esterby, brothers-in-law Lloyd Clemetson and Lyle Schei and sisters-in-law Donna Esterby, Mary Lou Esterby, and Arlene Neukom.

Funeral Service: 2:00 PM, Thursday, November 9 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown, ND with Pastor Kristi Weber, officiating.
Visitation: one hour before service at the church.
Burial: Highland Home Cemetery.

Online guest book: www.eddyfuneralhome.com

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