Gael Andrew Emil Coleman

Gael Andrew Emil Coleman, age 86, of Marshall, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2015, at the Prairie Home Hospice House in Marshall. Memorial services are Saturday, March 14, 2015, 11:00 AM at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. Interment will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, on Saturday at the Hamilton Funeral Home.
Clergy Officiating: Rev. Father Paul Wolf
Organist: Brenda Brynes
Special Music: CD selections ~ Because you come to me
Congregational Hymns: Amazing Grace, My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less
Military Honors: Marshall American Legion, Post #113

Gael Andrew Emil Coleman was born on June 23, 1928, in Stillwater, Minnesota. He was the son of Arthur and Meta (Roepke) Coleman. Gael was baptized as an infant and confirmed in his youth in the Lutheran faith. He attended Minneapolis Central High School before enlisting in the United States Navy as a Medical Corpsman on May 16, 1946. He served honorably and was discharged March 15, 1948. Upon returning home he attended the College of Medical Technology on the University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus.

He met Ms. Patricia Ann Whittier and the couple was united in marriage on July 9, 1949 at Emanuel Lutheran church in Somerset, Wisconsin. Gael entered his catholic faith with the birth of his first son. The family moved many times, living all over the upper Midwest. Each stop provided Gael a chance to further his career as a Healthcare Administrator. Gael and Pat raised four children: Jeff, Suanne, Lynn, and Patrick. They would come to settle in Marshall in 2003 and shared over 62 years of marriage before Patricia passed away on January 29, 2012.

Gael was a proud member of the Marshall American Legion, a past KC member, and was active in his church through the years. He was a Wheaton, MN, city councilman, past president for the Minnesota Council for the Aged. He was an avid volunteer for the Litchfield School District and Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. Other enjoyments in life included bowling, golfing, crossword puzzles, playing cribbage, and watching Minnesota Twins Baseball. Nothing could replace the joy he got from his family and spending time with his grandchildren.

Gael Coleman passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at the age of 86 years, 8 months and 13 days. Blessed be his memory.

Gael is survived by his Children, Jeff (and Nitza) Coleman of Fresno, CA, Suanne Smalley of Redding, CA, Lynn (and Brian) West of Marshall, Patrick (and Marley) Coleman of Kerman, CA; 10 grandchildren, Christina (Jason) McIntyre of Memphis, TN, Erica (Brian) White of Arlington, TN, Rebecca Smalley of Sacramento, CA, Kathryn (Lonnie) Provencher of Apple Valley, Victoria West of Minneapolis, Stuart West of Marshall, Hailey, Phoebe, Chloe, and Zachary Coleman of Kerman, CA; 7 great-grandchildren, Jonah, Claire, and Marlo Provencher, Marisol and Ena McIntyre, Gunnar and Gannon White; nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Gael is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Meta Coleman; wife, Patricia Coleman; son-in-law, Gerry Smalley; brothers, James and Arthur “Roy” Coleman; and sister, Patricia Swirtz.