Hall, Gilbert

Gilbert Hall, 55, died Monday, Sept. 20, 2010, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, following a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Anamosa, with interment in the Cass Center Cemetery. Friends may call after 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Survivors include his wife, Leslie; two brothers, Warren (Cheryl) of Monticello, and Roger (Sharon) of Davenport; four nieces; three nephews; seven great-nephews; his beloved dog, Lena; and his reining mare, Chexy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a special cousin, Ross Murray; grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

Gilbert Spencer Hall was born April 12, 1955, at Anamosa, Iowa. He was the son of Walter (Pucky) and Gladys Caroline Brown Hall. Gilbert received his education in the Anamosa Community Schools. He later attended Kirkwood College where he became a certified welder. He welded at Harneshfager and Cucklers before moving to Texas, where he was a welder in Port Arthur. On Feb. 14, 1994, he met his future wife and soulmate, Leslie Pence. Gilbert and Leslie were married on Dec. 2, 1994. The couple made their home on the Old River Ranch, where they successfully bred, raised, trained and showed paint horses. Gilbert also continued to weld working at N&N Trailers in Monticello. Gilbert belonged to the National Reining Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association and Midwestern Horseman's Club. Gilbert passions were his horses and Mopar Cars and zest for life.