Gail Marie Nehl (Nee Surges), 54, of Springfield, MO passed away Sept 2, 2011. She was a resident at The Maples Health & Rehabilitation Nursing Home in Springfield, MO.
She was born in Lincoln, NE on May 23, 1957 to David A. Surges and Donna L. Surges (Nee Ward.)
Gail graduated from Morgan County R2 High School. She was married to her husband James H. Nehl of Springfield, MO. on September 6 1994.
Gail is preceded in death by her mother, Donna L. Surges of Versailles, MO.
She was survived and loved by her husband James H. Nehl, her father David A. Surges (Karen) of Watertown, WI; brother Daniel C. Surges (Kathy) of Greenfield, WI; sister Desiree (Dee) J. Szablewski (nee Surges) (Greg) of Waukesha, WI; brother Jeffrey J. Ward of Oviedo, FL; step-brother Todd A. Surges of Brookfield WI; Betty L. Hees (Bill) of Versailles MO, who was a very special Aunt; Bobbette J. (Bill) MacDonald of Colorado Springs, CO and Denise L. Hees of Eldon, MO who were both very special cousins; cousin Bart Ward of Sedalia, MO; Uncle Chuck Ward (Mary) of Oviedo, FL; Uncle Frank Ward (Hazel) of Lake Bay, WA; Aunt Jane Eckmann of Waukesha, WI; Mother-in-law Verena Sapp and Brother-in-law Patrick (Rachel) Nehl both of Springfield, MO; brother-in-law Gerald Nehl of Stafford, MO and Diane (Rick) McCay of Mountain Grove, MO.
Also survived and loved by other relatives, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and friends.
Gail was a former EMT in Versailles, MO and was a very caring person who always thought of others first, and then herself.
She loved anything to do with the medical profession and her battle with MS only made that stronger.
She was certain that a cure for MS would be found in her lifetime and always supported its research. She was always trying to keep up on the latest information and treatments.
During her long battle with MS, Gail never complained about her life and was always an inspiration to others with her positive attitude and selfless personality.
She found the Criminal Justice system very interesting as well, especially the police and admired animals of all kinds. She could regularly be found in the “bird room” where she would watch T.V. so she could enjoy the birds.
Gail touched many lives with her seemingly endless “love for others” and people always enjoyed her contagious laughter and good spirited personality.
She loved Dr. Pepper, skittles, pizza and chewing gum of any kind as well as watching movies and sports with James and taking trips with the nursing home staff or with family when they visited.
She was a life-long fan of the Mizzou Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs and occasionally, the Green Bay Packers.
Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 8, 2011 in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens under the direction of Greenlawn North Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, Gail wanted donations to be made to the MS Society.