Gilbert Eugene Pralle

December 12, 1932 - April 25, 2020

A Memorial service for Gilbert Pralle, 87 of Fairmont will be held Monday, May 4, 2020 at 10:00am at Anderson-Burris Funeral Home in Enid for immediate family only. Pastor Mark Blakeman will be officiating. Afterward there will be a graveside service at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Fairmont, also with Pastor Blakeman. Viewing will be Friday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00pm and Sunday, from noon to 6:00pm at Anderson-Burris Funeral Home. Gilbert was born December 12, 1932 on the family farm outside Fairmont, Oklahoma to Raymond Henry and Kathryn Martha (VanHauen) Pralle and passed away on April 25, 2020 in Enid. Gilbert attended Fairmont Lutheran school through the 8th grade before transferring to Garber High School where he graduated in 1950. On June 7, 1953, he married his sweetheart Marilee Joan Metcalf in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Enid, and they made their home in Fairmont. He was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Fairmont and served on the Finance board for many years. Gil worked in steel and industrial supply in both purchasing and sales at Hackney Iron & Steel, Speedstar, AAT Supply, Allied Bearing and G & C. Music was always a big part of Gil’s life. At 16, along with his dad he played fiddle for Joe Schad and The Death Valley Riders and later he played fiddle and trumpet with Jim Hannon and the Oklahoma Country Boys. He especially treasured the years he played drums and vocals with his brother Wendell. As The Pralle Brothers, they entertained at many nightclubs and dances in Oklahoma. Gilbert was preceded in death by his wife Marilee, his parents, and his brother and best friend Wendell. He is survived by his three children, Lynn Graham (and husband Rick), Valerie O’Dell (and husband Lance), and Derek Pralle (and wife Sarah) all of Cincinnati, OH. He is also survived by his two beloved grandsons, Zachary Graham (and wife Lisa) and Jared Graham, of Cincinnati, OH; his dear sister-in-law, Joyce Pralle of Enid; special nieces Kim Hughes, Diana Postier and Lisa Alwert, and many other relatives and friends. Memorials may be made through Anderson-Burris to Hospice Circle of Love or Fairmont Zion Lutheran Church.