Gail College, age 72 of Bottineau, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at a Fargo hospital.  His funeral will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11:00 am at the First Lutheran Church in Bottineau.

Gail College, a son of Edward and Harriet College was born on November 30, 1952 in Maddock, ND.  He was raised in Esmond, ND and graduated from Esmond High School in 1970.   He met Laurie Peiler from Leeds and they were married on January 8, 1972 at North Prairie Lutheran Church in Leeds.  They celebrated their 53rd anniversary this year.

Gail enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Ft. Leonardwood, Ft Carson and the Nekoma Missile Site.  During this time, they welcomed their 2 children, Chad and Amie.  Following his honorable discharge, Gail began his career in the lumberyard business.  This included his career with Great Plains Supply in Cando, Stanley and Bottineau.  In 1997, Gail and Laurie purchased the lumberyard from Great Plains Supply and it became known as Bottineau Lumber.  He spent 25 years owning the lumberyard and he enjoyed working with the many contractors, salesmen and customers.  He was well known for his kindness and integrity in the community.

Gail was a die-hard Minnesota Viking fan.  He enjoyed traveling to several football stadiums or sitting at home in his chair on Sunday to watch his team.  Gail and Laurie enjoyed many trips to the Metrodome & US Bank Stadium for games, but he always made sure to be back Monday morning for work.  He also liked watching the Minnesota Twins. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending as many activities that he could such as dance, hockey, baseball, football, lacrosse, concerts, programs and parties.  He was their biggest fan and was proud of all of them.  He also liked to travel and take vacations with his family. Being from a large family, Gail enjoyed spending time with all of his siblings and attending many family reunions.

Gail and Laurie enjoyed their home at Lake Metigoshe.  He loved drinking coffee on the deck, being the captain of the pontoon and just hanging out with family and relaxing.  He also enjoyed spending time in Arizona during the winter when he could.  Gail was an amazing husband, dad, grandpa, brother, brother-in-law, friend and member of the community.  He was caring, kind, generous and always willing to help.

He is survived by his wife, Laurie; children, Chad (Wendy) College of New Hope, MN and Amie (Paul) Fortier of Bottineau; five grandchildren, Rachael (Charles) Mills, Paige Fortier, Nolan College, Lydia College and Carter Fortier; 1 great-grandchild, CJ Mills; sisters, Marlene (Ray) Koble, JoAnn Bergson, Dianne (Jim) Sisson, Dessie (Patrick) Scott, Judy Jenssen, Sandi Lettenmaier, Candy (Wayne) Scherr; brothers, Gary (Paula) College, Bruce College, Scott College; brother-in-laws, Dorence Cote, Tim Danielson and many nieces and nephews.

Gail was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Harriet College; sisters, Cynthia, Patsy, Sharon and Donna and brother, Dale College.