Max C. Gimbal

Obituary for Max Gimbal Silvis- Max Conrad Gimbal, 87, slipped out of his family's loving arms into the waiting arms of his Lord and Savior, on Monday evening, August 1, 2011 at Illini Restorative Care Center in Silvis. Max was born November 21st, 1923 in Granville, IL to John and Mae (Mitchell) Gimbal. He was the brother to Vernon (Mary) Gimbal of Granville and Anna Mae Liles, now deceased. He grew up and attended school in Granville, and loved nature and the outdoors, leading him to the path of becoming a farmer, later leaving the farm to go to work and retire from Champion Pneumatic in Princeton. He met his best friend and soul mate, Kathleen and they married on November 13th, 1942 in Granville. They were inseparable for the next 66 years. She preceded him in death on March 18, 2009. Together they farmed in Tiskilwa and started their family there. He was a devoted, dedicated father to two daughters, Janice Kay (Bill) Pearson of Moline, and Carole Ann Wirges of Rock Island. Max was a faithful Christian example of a grandfather and will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Lori Frick and Terri (Allan) Beaber of Princeton, Crystal (Joshua) Lee of Moline, and Brian (Jessica) Pearson of Bettendorf, IA. He was blessed with 5 great grandchildren, Noel and Cole Pearson and Devlin, Lanie and Bergan Lee. Max loved his Lord and Savior and was very active in his church, He served as a deacon, and taught Sunday School. He sang weekly in the church choir and duets with Kay for special music on Sunday mornings. He belonged to the "Golden Agers" group at the Princeton Bible Church, where he was a member. Even in his remaining years at Illini Restorative, God continued to use him as a Christian example to those around him. He loved spending time with his family and friends, fishing with Kay, trips to Eagle River, traveling and seeing God's handiwork around him. He was an avid gardener, with a hardy tomato, cucumber and green pepper crop every year, but his main love was his God and family. Services will be Saturday, August 6th, 2011 at 11 am at the Norberg Memorial Home in Princeton with Pastor Ken Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Princeton. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to services. A luncheon will follow at the Princeton Bible Church. Pall bearers will be his special friends and family: Steve Hildebrand, Jim Lund, Norm Liles Jr., Bob Draper, Brody Anderson and Tim Olsen. Memorials will be directed to the Princeton Christian Academy, Illini Restorative Care or Illini Hospital Foundation. Rest in Peace.

Max C. Gimbal

November 21, 1923 - August 1, 2011