Obituary of Lee E. Gale
Lee Edward Gale, age 71, of Morris, passed away peacefully, Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Regency Care of Morris, with his loving family by his side, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born February 14, 1946 in Joliet, he was the son of the late Leo Edward and Edna (Horschler) Gale. He served with the United States Army during the Viet Nam War from 1967-1969, and was the recipient of three Purple Heart awards, a Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He retired after 47 years with Caterpillar, Inc., as both an employee and later as a consultant, working as tool designer.
Lee was devoted and active in the mission of the Boys Scouts of America, serving as a scout leader for Minooka Troop #464, and in many other capacities for the Boy Scouts of America Rainbow Council. He loved wood working and wood turning and was a member of the Flatland Wood Turners, Champaign. He also enjoyed fishing, boating, spending winters in Arizona, and country line dancing both as a participant and an instructor. Lee was also a Piatt County Master Gardner.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 50 years, Irene (Mikula) Gale, and they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on August 5, 2017. Also surviving are his children, Joseph (Susan) Gale of Morris and Michelle (Jeff) Serena of Braidwood; two step-grandsons, Matthew (Lisa) Yackley and Michael (Shannon) Yackley; four step-great-grandchildren, Brianna, Taylor, Derek and Logan Yackley; three sisters, Geraldine (the late Fred) Lambert of Gary, IL, Esther (the late Glen) Mulholland of LaFayette, IN, and Phyllis (Michael) Hagstad of Great Cacapon, WV; two brothers-in-law, Albert (Mary) Mikula and Dennis (the late Geri) Tonelli; and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass for Lee Gale will be celebrated Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 516 E. Jackson Street, Morris. Interment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where military honors will be accorded.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6, Morris.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Boy Scouts of America Rainbow Council or Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated.
For more information, please call (815) 942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
