Wayne L. Gale, age 85, of Portage passed away Wednesday March 2, 2016 with much of his family at his side. Wayne was born June 3, 1930 in North Judson, Indiana to the late Lester and Esther (Cawby) Gale. He served in the U.S. Army Infantry Division, from Nov. 1951 – Nov. 1959, which included service during the Korean War. He became a business owner in North Judson, Indiana, and eventually moved north to become a carpenter working out of Local Union #1005 in Hobart. Wayne loved sharing breakfast with his friends and family at many local Portage restaurants. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events and spending summers in Ludington, MI with family.
Wayne is survived by his daughter Denise (Chuck) Stout of Portage; his son Kenneth Gale of Portage; his five grandchildren Valerie (Craig) Krolik, Carrie (Ryan) Palmer, Kevin (Tiffany) Stout, Megan Gale and Brandon Gale; his five great grandchildren Hannah Krolik, Kaila Palmer, Landon Palmer, Tessa Palmer and Brennen Stout; his brother George (Lynn) Gale of Vero Beach, FL and his sister Barbara (Dean) Schmidt of New Carlisle.
Wayne was preceded in death by his loving wife Patricia and his parents.
Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Monday at the Rees Funeral Home Olson Chapel 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, Indiana. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 am Tuesday March 8, 2016 at the Funeral Home with Rev. Charles R. Strietelmeier officiating.
Wayne will be buried in McKinley Memorial Garden Cemetery in Winamac, Indiana following the ceremonies.
Online condolences may be submitted at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.