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Feb. 22, 1928-Oct. 10, 2026
Crosby
Wallace (Wally) George Garbel, 98, Crosby, passed away peacefully at St. Luke's Living Center, October 10, 2026.
Wally's funeral will be held 3 p.m., Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Crosby, with committal service following at Wildrose Cemetery, Wildrose.
Wally was born February 22, 1928, in Wildrose, on the family farm in Fredrick Township to Bruno and Minda (Arntson) Garbel. He grew up on the family farm attending Fredrick Township Liberty School until eighth grade. The family moved to Spokane, Washington, for two years then back to Wildrose where Wally graduated from high school in 1946.
Wally's first teaching jobs were in one room schools in Corinth, and Border Township.
Wally met the love of his life, Winona Howard at the Wildrose Cafe. Winona and Wally were married on December 24, 1951. Wally then left for 18 months to serve in the United States Army as a clerk stationed in Korea. Upon his discharge, Wally and Nony made their home in Williston, where he worked on the railroad. To follow his passion for teaching, he moved his family to Minot, to complete his teaching degree.
In 1961, they moved to Stanley, where Wally taught high school business classes, coached basketball, and led the FBLA high school chapter. Wally obtained his master's degree in education at UND, Grand Forks. Wally finished his teaching career at Jamestown High School, 1974-1976. Wally served as president of North Dakota Teachers Association.
He moved his family to Crosby, to work as parts manager at International Harvestor Implement in 1976. Later running for and serving as Divide County Treasurer until retirement. Wally could never sit still so he started his business Wally's Woodworks creating scroll saw wood art and attending area vendor shows with his art until he was about 80.
On October 4, 2023, after 72 years of marriage Wally lost the love of his life, Winona.
Wally enjoyed being with his children and grandchildren, square dancing, bowling, playing cards, fishing, camping, singing, and playing the harmonica.
He was a member of Kiwanis, American Legion, Northwest Choir, Northernaires Choir, Church Choir, and numerous community plays.
Wally is survived by four children: daughter, Kathrin (Greg Weidner), grandchildren: Aaron (Jessica), Wade (Natale), Joseph (Katie), Sheena (Todd Nelson); son, Donald (Kay), grandchildren: Lynn (Chris Seime), Samuel, Matthew (Mandy), Sarah (Trevor Thomte), Levi (Melanie); son, Lee, granddaughter: Margaret; daughter, Janice (Lynn Jacobson), grandchildren: Amy (Neil Shaw), Nathan (Rebecca), Devin (Suzie); 35 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sister, Delores Mothershed, Manteca, California, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wally was preceded in death by wife, Winona; parents, Bruno and Minda Garbel; brother, Lyle and sister Violet.
In loving memory of Wally, memorials may be made to St. Luke's Living Center, Crosby, ND or American Legion McKee/Lumsden Post 75, Crosby, ND
Funeral arrangements are made by Stakston-Martin Funeral home, Crosby.
Published by The Minot Daily News, October 17, 2026.