William Leslie "Bill" Gimble, 94, Minot died on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 in a Velva care center.

William was born on September 7, 1923 in Drake, ND to William and Mary (Rauser) Gimble. He was reared and educated in Drake and graduated from Drake High School. Bill's father died when he was 17 years old so after he finished high school in Drake and moved to Minot to join his mother and attend Minot State College where he was a member of the football team.

Bill enlisted in the U.S. Merchant Marine on January 11, 1944 and served aboard the USS Oliver Kelly in the Pacific Theatre prior to his honorable discharge on August 15, 1945. Following his discharge, he returned to Minot where he assisted his mother in the operation of Gimble's Caf (formerly the U.S. Caf).

Bill married Lorraine Anderson on May 28, 1952 at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Minot. They made their home in Minot where he was a partner and operator of Chateau Lanes Bowling Alley for many years. Also, he owned and operated Dakota Construction which specialized in air force base construction projects. He retired in 1989.

Bill was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church - Minot and a former member of St. Leo's Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, Eagles Aerie and American Legion. As a youngster he was very active in the Boy Scouts of America and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He especially enjoyed bowling and woodworking. He had bowled (3) 300 games and participated in 52 straight state bowling tournaments.

Bill's loving family includes his wife of 65 years Lorraine; niece and nephew whom they raised as their children: Jan Hendershot of Minot and Jim Watts of Dallas, TX; grandchildren: Amy (Kevin) Ripley, Jeline Watts and Will Watts; great grandchildren: Bella and Sophia Ripley; special friend Jim Hendershot and several cousins.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law: Deloris Bacon, brother-in-law: Lawrence Watts and mother-in-law: Josephine Anderson.

Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church- Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot

Visitation: Tuesday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.

Memorials are preferred to Our Lady of Grace Food Pantry, St. Cecilia's Catholic Church - Velva or the donor's choice.