Harold L. Imel, 72, died December 12, 2008, at his home, Hutchinson. He was born March 24, 1936, in Hutchinson, the son of Frank and Clementine Cardwell Imel. He attended Buhler High School. A lifetime Hutchinson area resident, Harold dedicated himself to his clients as owner and operator of Harold Imel Tree Service since 1969. He worked for the City of Hutchinson Forestry Department and he was a mechanic.

He belonged to both the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, and the Gold Wing Touring Association.

On December 20, 1957, he married Joan Helsel in Hutchinson. She died September 13, 2005.

Survivors include: a son, Martin and wife, Susan, Hutchinson; two daughters, Rochelle Welch and husband Bret, Hutchinson, and Terri Hitchcock and husband Robert, Springfield, Mo.; two sisters, Frances Young, St. Louis, MO. and Phyllis Moody, Hutchinson nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Vernon, Albert and Leon.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, with the Rev. Dr. Kim Biery presiding. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, with the family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, at the mortuary. Interment will be in Penwell Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson.

Memorials may be sent to the City of Hutchinson Trees for Tomorrow Fund, in care of the mortuary. Please visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave personal condolences for the family.