
Gilbert Ingraham sits for an interview for Country School: One Room - One Nation in 2010.
July 31, 2012 was a bittersweet day for filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle. On that Tuesday they received the announcement that their documentary Country School: One Room - One Nation was nominated for a regional Emmy Award. They also learned that they lost one of their Country School 'stars'. Former one-room school student Gilbert Ingraham of Laurel, Iowa, passed away in the home he was born in. He was 100.
The Rundles first met Gilbert in May 2010 at Taylor #4 in Marshalltown, Iowa where he sat for an interview for their documentary on the history and legacy of America's one-room schools. 98-year-old Gilbert put on his signature bib-overhauls, drove himself to the school, and took his place in a classroom filled with students, grades 1-8, dressed in period costume. Schoolmarm Julie Jontz Lang organized the reenactment for the film.
"Gilbert was a breath of fresh air," said Tammy. "He loved rural life and farming, and really enjoyed his country school experience. His reflections as a former student helped us paint a picture of what it was like to take part in that important history."
A special tribute screening of Country School was presented in 2011 at Marshalltown's Orpheum Theater to honor Gilbert. He took part in the Q&A following the sold-out event and stole the show with his charm and wit.

Tammy Rundle poses with Gilbert Ingraham during a special reception at Taylor #4 prior to a tribute
screening of Country School at the Orpheum Theater honoring him.
"Gilbert will truly be missed by the many people who knew and loved him, and by those of us whose lives he has touched," said Tammy. "It is wonderful that we get to see him often--whenever the film broadcasts on television or shows on the big screen."
Gilbert was born on January 20th, 1912 and was the son of Fred and Nellie (Starnes) Ingraham. He graduated from the Laurel High School in 1929. He married Wanda Schnathorst on November 25th, 1932. Wanda died in 1996. He was a faithful member of the Laurel United Methodist Church, the Methodist Cemetery board and the Laurel School Board as secretary. He treasured his family and enjoyed his career of farming. Left to cherish his memory is his daughter Donna (James) Wernberg of Rockford, IL; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, adopted "family" and friends. Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 4th, at the Laurel United Methodist Church.
"Gilbert would have been pleased about the Emmy nomination for Country School," said Tammy.
"He was a very special part of the project and it is a distinction we share with everyone who helped us make the film," said Kelly.
Country School will broadcast on Iowa Public Television (IPTV-PBS) on Friday, August 24, 2012 at 9:00 p.m. The 2012 Mid-America Emmy® Awards will be held Saturday, September 22, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at the historic Midland Theatre in Kansas City.