Gerald Gackle
Member since 2007
Gerry graduated from the University of North Dakota and worked as the chief accountant at Homestake Gold Mine for many years. Then he began his own Lead-Deadwood Accounting Service. Arlene, his wife, worked with him until he sold the business and retired to Sioux Falls, where they have lived for the past seven years. They have four children. The two girls live in Sioux Falls. One of twin boys stayed in Lead; the other moved on to Nevada. So far there are eight grandchildren.
Besides doing a lot of travelling to see family, friends, and grandkid's games (including trips to Sweden, Europe, California, Texas, Arizona, Cape Cod, Florida), the Grackles find time for a lot of activities. Arlene keeps busy with her sewing, church quilting, Mahjong, and, of course, grandchildren. Gerry plays golf, enjoys photography, and no doubt gets his share of being with the grandchildren. There is also always maintenance work at the church, which he performs two or three times a week. This winter they plan to go south again.
Three years ago, Gerry was looking for another Hobby when an Arizona friend introduced him to carving. Now he is an active member of our club and regularly attends classes taught by Frank at the Center for Active Generations. His favorite type of carving is relief work: scenes of animals and an old car. He also enjoys carving caricatures. This "in the round" carving is new work for him. Most of his carvings remain with Gerry, and Arlene displays many of his relief works around their house, but we all have had the pleasure of viewing a good sample of his work displayed as entries in the Sioux Empire Woodcarving Exposition and the Dakota Masterworks Art Show.
We are glad the carving bug got under you skin, Gerry, and we are glad you joined our club. We enjoy carving with you. Keep up the good work!
