Gail D Egolf , 72, of Columbia City, passed away at 1:10 p.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at Lincolnshire Place, Memory Care in Fort Wayne where he was a resident since October.

Born on January 26, 1952, in Whitley County, Indiana, he was a son of the late J D Egolf and Ruth (Borgman) Egolf.  He grew up in Thorncreek, Twp., and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1970.  He continued his education at California State University in Chico, CA, where he earned a Bachelor's in Anthropology in 1976.

Taking a job with the U.S. Forrest Service and then as an Area Archaeologist for the El Centro Bureau of Land Management. Where his job included to research and map Native American historical sites. In the early 1980's, Gail returned to the area, joining the family business of Egolf Grain.

In 1986, Gail was united in marriage to Marilyn Sweeney until her passing in 1994.  On December 26, 1997, he married Judy D. Roberts.  They have always made their permanent home in Whitley County moving to Columbia City in 2007.

Growing up on a farm, he loved the outdoors, making agricultural sales his career.  In his 50s, he semi-retired, and purchased a motorhome for Judy and himself to travel the country.  The couple would spend their winters either in Georgia, Texas, or Arizona, often taking the responsibility of managing winter RV parks.  Returning to the area every spring, he worked for Helena Chemical Company in Kimmell, selling agricultural supplies and chemicals.  He officially retired in 2016.

Gail savored every moment as a loving and joy filled father and grandfather. Smiling from ear to ear, he would adventure out of his way to be present, attending events, and supporting each and every one. He also enjoyed spending time fishing at the lake, golfing, and cheering on his favorite teams.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 26 years, Judith; step-children, Amanda Roberts (Steve) Wells of West Chester, OH, Andrew (Shanon) Roberts of Columbia City and Jason (Tracy) Sweeney of Monroeville; grandchildren, Skye & Kendra Roberts, Nicholas & Anna Wells, Alexis, Jack, & Hannah Sweeney; and siblings, Dennis (Becky) Egolf of Chicago, Gary (Cathy) Egolf and Jody Long both of Columbia City and Cindy Egolf of Italy, along with several nieces and nephews.

Gail was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, John Long; nephew, Alex Egolf; and first wife, Marilyn Sweeney Egolf.

A memorial gathering is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 7th, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with a memorial service to begin at 1 p.m.  Burial will follow at the Merriam Christian Chapel Cemetery.

Memorials in Gail's honor are to the Bear Lake Camp, Albion.