I just heard about Gail’s death.  He was a mentor, a great resource and colleague in agriculture.  My condolences to his family!

So sorry to hear of Gales passing. I have fond memories of working with you at Western. I also remember Ryan and Karen as wonderful students.Our prayers are for you and your family.Ray & Kay Nussbaum 

Florence, We so fondly recall  our friendship with your family from our Bangladesh days.  While brief and so long ago, we remember Gale with appreciation and respect for his love for God and others .  We're sorry for your loss and trust that many wonderful memories will bring comfort . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Florence, Karin and Ryan:My heart hurt when I heard of Gale's passing. Reading others' comments shows how wide his friendships were, the work ethic that shaped his life, and what was most important to him. A note is in the mail to you. I'll try to touch base with you the next time I travel to Oregon--which is long overdue! May God's peace fill your mind and heart and soul.

We are very sad to hear that Gale has left this world. It must be very chocking! We pray for peace and comfort for you Florence, Karen and Ryan and their families. We have good memories of you from Bangladesh and when we visited you when our daughter Cecilia passed High School together with Karen. You were so good and kind to Cecilia the year she stayed in Oregon! It was also wonderful to have Karen visiting Sweden long back. What a wonderful husband and father you just lost. It is a comfort to know that he is in heaven. Lilian and Thybell, Ed Sweden 

My condolences to Gale’s family. He was always the voice of reason and an amazing person. I remember many bonding experiences with him. He earned his respect in the industry because of the credibility that he earned with growers based on his knowledge and work ethic. He’ll be missed. BarryDuerk 

Gale and his family became dear friends in Bangladesh when our two families served with MCC in the early 1980s. It was a life-giving friendship for both of our families. We have been fortunate to maintain it all these years over the great physical distance between us and very few in-person visits.. Three months ago we had our most recent visit with Gale and Florence, via Zoom.Gale had an admirable balance in his life. He could enjoy humour but did not need to be the jokester; he had knowledge and wisdom but didn't try to be the smartest person in the room; he took initiative and carried leadership responsibility but didn't need to "be in charge"; he valued the work and the insights of others and gladly learned from them even in areas of his own expertise; he listened well and spoke carefully.We are deeply grateful that Gale was our friend. We know that Florence, Karin, Ryan and their families will cherish and miss him greatly. Our love to them all.Jim and Goldine Pankratz, (Carmen and Rachel)

Florence and family may the God of peace hold you firmly during this time of transition. Our hearts go with you.

I met Gale and the whole family in Bangladesh when Karin and I became best friends. And for my senior year of high school I came to the U.S. to attend Western Mennonite High School and live with your family. An incredible experience for me that I have treasured ever since! Both Gale and Florence were so wonderful to me and made me feel like part of your family. Thank you so much for opening your house to me. And thanks to Karin and Ryan of course!I have a fun memory of Gale that I would like to share. The year I stayed with you, I was going to Bangladesh for Christmas since my parents lived there then. Gale came up with the crazy and fun idea that I should bring a Christmas tree with me to Bangladesh! Gale arranged everything - the tree, packaging, paper work etc. When my parents picked me up at the airport, there I was with a huge cylindric package. It was a wonderful surprise for my family in Bangladesh and made that Christmas very special. The news spread and a lot of friends in Bangladesh came over to smell and touch the tree.I was so sorry to hear that Gale has left this earth, which seems much too soon. Florence, Karin and Ryan - I am so sorry for your loss and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Cecilia

Florence and family:  I'm so saddened to learn of Gale's death.  As you do, I wish I had had more time to know him better.  I hold you with love in my heart.  

Florence, Karin, Ryan and all who know and love Gale, Praying for comfort and strength as you grieve this unexpected loss. Gale's wisdom, humor and gentle spirit have touched multitudes. His legacy continues in the relationships he tenderly cultivated over the years with his kindness and service.He was well-loved. Lori Eberly for the fam

Florence, Karin and Ryan,So many thoughts and prayers with you this week. I noticed someone mentioned "team Gingrich" in the comments. I will always think of Gale in relation to the MCC Festival and all the hard work your family put into that annual event. I don't know that there was ever a point that I passed the cider table where Gale wasn't talking with yet another friend. He was a friend and support to so many. Hugs to you all.

Dear Gingerich family, we are so sorry to hear of Gale's passing, please accept our sympathy and prayers for you Florence, as well as your children and grandchildren,May God's strength and His arms surround you, as you say goodbye to your dear husband, father and grandfather.Sincerely,Roger and Sherrie Neuschwander

Florence,  I am so sorry and shocked to hear of Gale’s death.  You and your family are being held in love and peace.

We are saddened by the sudden passing of Gale having known Gale and Florence for many years.  We applaud Gale's generous contribution to the Agriculture Community in the Willamette Valley and beyond. 

With prayers and loving memories Wally Pohlschneider

We were devastated to hear the news of Gale's passing.   He was loved by so many.   Sending much love and caring to you, Florence, and to Karin and Ryan and their families, and also to Byron and Roy.

I am so grateful that I knew Gale and admired and appreciated him very much. We first met in Paris when he and Florence were serving there in 1966. Then periodically we saw each other in the intervening years, especially in every October when he was the "cider guy" for OMFWR.,a legacy on its own merits. I'll miss his smile and energy. 

So shocked to hear of Gale's passing.  We are thinking of you, Florence, Karin and Ryan.We have such wonderful memories of Gale participating in the MCC fundraisers at our house.  In such a caring way, he worked behind the scenes to be sure everything was in good order to be successful.  He tirelessly carried food from the car to the kitchen, arranged tables and chairs and washed dishes for two hours at a time--all while throwing loving glances to Florence as he worked. 

Florence it is so hard for me to think the Gingrich team is so longer pulling together!  The two of you were awesome as we saw your unified role in hosting the PAX crew at the chateau just outside of Paris, France. What an example you were for all of us in providing, home, fun, discipline and crazy bike rides to get milk.  It hurts to see this union so longer available for exemplifying true sacrifice.  Although I hurt at your and our loss, we will celebrate the memories we have banked. Thank you both for being God's fragrance for so many people.   

Florence, Karin and Ryan,  I am so sorry and saddened by the shocking news of Gale's passing.  Gale was someone that I always looked up to and respected greatly, a man of integrity and character.  He always made a person feel like a friend, even when we might not have seen each other for long periods of time.  Florence, you and Gale were also wonderful and true friends to my mom and dad, and they thought the world of both of you.  And your friendship and time spent with Mom during her final years was a gift to her that she cherished greatly.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, that you might find some peace during this difficult time.  

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of great loss. Gale will be missed by many. He had such a kind and gentle  spirit.  As you grieve the loss, may the good memories live on.    Sending our love. 

You are a most special brother, and for that I will forever be grateful.  Your candor, wisdom, support, honesty, humor and faith were always valued, admired and welcomed.  You are dearly missed.  I love you Gale.

To the family of Gale Gingrich,I attended OSU with Gale, and joined the OSU Cooperative Extension Service with him. Gale was a very good friend of the N.C. Anderson family and he will be remembered not only for his work as an Extension Agent and Field Man, but mostly for his religion and devotion to his wife and family.  I share your grief, as do my brothers Richard and Chris Anderson. Gale called me after the passing of my wife 2 years ago, and we planned to meet up thereafter. I regret I was not able to do that.Our prayers are with you in this moment.David, Richard, and Chris Anderson

Gale was a gentle soul who was always willing to give of himself for others.  His time and talents he freely shared.  He was such a blessing to me helping with my mother (Doris (Gingrich) Ellsworth) move into assisted living and continuing to visit her regularly while living in the Albany facility.  She spoke of how much she appreciated his visits. We became closer in our senior years as we shared a passion for documenting Gingrich family history.  He was most helpful searching out history and the family tree, connecting with many of our distant relatives. We communicated often to complete our work and spent time together at the Mennonite Historical Society in Hubbard rooting through the documents and books to uncover information.  There will be a big void in the family and in our hearts.  We pray that God will comfort and heal the family, and we take solace that one day we will be reunited in eternity.  Perhaps God needed an 'expert' cider maker in Heaven and Gale was the chosen master maker who is now serving the Master.  

Florence, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. 

We are sad to hear of Gale's death. We remember Gale and Florence with great affection from our days in Bangladesh when we shared a  multinational and multidenominational weekly church house group. It was one of the most interesting groups we have run around the World.We have kept up with family news over the years.Mike and Rhona Atkinson.  email: atkinson825@btinternet.com

GALE WAS A VERY TALENTED AND GIFTED MAN. THE OBITUARY SAYS IT ALL IN A MOST BEAUTIFUL AND RESPECTFUL WAY. ALL OF MY FAMILY LOVED AND RESPECTED HIM. WE WERE ALL SHOCKED WHEN KARIN CALLED WITH THE SAD NEWS. WE ARE GRIEVING WITH YOU ALL. GALES PASSION FOR AGRICULTURE WAS INTENSE. MANY, MANY FARMERS IN THE VALLEY QUESTIONED HIM WITH, ''HOW DO I FIX THIS LAND PROBLEM, SO I CAN GET HIGHER YIELDS''? ''SPEAK TO THE EARTH, AND IT SHALL TEACH YOU.'' JOB 12:8SUCCESSFUL FARMERS ALWAYS COPY NATURE IN THEIR FIELDS. [BIBLICAL AGRONOMY BY ERIC KOPEREK].''DO NOT PLANT TWO KINDS OF SEED IN YOUR VINEYARD, IF YOU DO, NOT ONLY THE CROPS YOU PLANT, BUT ALSO THE FRUIT OF THE VINEYARD WILL BE DEFILED'.'' [DEUTERONOMY 22:9].GALE UNDERSTOOD THESE, AND OTHER, ''BEST'' FARMING TECHNIQUES.2 CHRONICLES 26:10 RECORDS A FARMER WHO ALSO HAD A PASSION FOR FARMING. HIS NAME, UZZIAH. THIS MAN WAS 16 YEARS OLD WHEN HE BEGAN TO REIGN IN JUDAH.GALE HAD A ''WHOLE BUNCH'' OF FARMING FRIENDS, TO SAY THE LEAST. WHY WOULDN'T A FARMER WANT HIM AROUND? ONE OF THESE FRIENDS WAS LIKELY MARVIN KAUFFMAN, A LOVER OF SOIL. TOGETHER THEY, NO DOUBT, WOULD GET TOGETHER AND TALK ''SHOP''! THEY BOTH KNEW THAT TO PRODUCE ABUNDANT, AND ''CERTIFIED'' SEED, THEY WOULD NEED SOIL OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY. OF GOOD SOIL.  I BELIEVE GOD WAS PLEASED THAT THESE TWO MEN, AMONG OTHERS WOULD PRODUCE ''AN HUNDRED FOLD''!ANOTHER MAN WHO PAVED THE WAY FOR THESE TWO MEN TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR RESPECTIVE FIELDS, WAS FRANK KROPF. I CAN'T GET OVER THIS MAN'S PASSION FOR SEED FARMING IN OUR VALLEY! GPA WAS A LITTLE AHEAD OF HIS TIME, BECAUSE HE WENT TO OSU. HE HAD AN INSATIABLE PASSION FOR PRODUCING HIGH QUALITY SEED. IN ORDER FOR HIM TO DO THIS, HE NEEDED TO GET WATER DOWN THROUGH THE VALLEY. I BELIEVE HE WAS THE PIONEER OF THE GRASS SEED IN THE VALLEY. WHAT HE DID AND ACCOMPLISHED LED TO THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY BEING KNOWN AS ''THE RYE GRASS CAPITAL OF THE WORLD''!!ANOTHER PASSION THAT GPA FRANK HAD WAS ''KINGDOM'' WORK. WHILE HUNTING WITH HIS SON, AND MY FATHER IN LAW, MERLE, DAD TOLD ME ONCE THAT HIS DAD TOLD HIM, I COULD HAVE BUILD AN GRASS SEED EMPIRE. HOWEVER, I CHOOSE TO PUT ALL MY TALENTS INTO ''KINGDOM WORK''.TODAY WE ''STAND ON SOME VERY BROAD SHOULDERS THAT CAST A VERY LONG SHADOW''!THESE MEN HAVE LEFT A LEGACY OF FAITH AND DEPENDANCE UPON GOD. ''IF YOUR LIFE SHOULD PASS BEFORE YOUR EYES SOMETIME, MAKE SURE IT'S WORTH READING''! [NOT MY QUOTE]OH, ONE MORE MAN WHO WENT BEFORE THESE ''GIANTS OF FAITH'' WAS ADAM, THE FIRST FARMER.GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU TODAY!RALPH AND CLARENE MYERS  

Florence, We were shocked and saddened to hear of Gale's passing. We have so many precious memories of the times we spent together during our time in Oregon. Both you and Gale have personified what it means to be true 'servant leaders' and your lives have enriched, the lives of others, literally, around the world. May the memories of your happy times together help carry you during the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are definitely with you and Karin and Ryan and your family at this time. Bryan and Judi Stauffer

Dear Florence,We were so sad to hear of Gale's sudden passing. We all loved Gale and will miss him dearly. We met the Gingrich Family through Mennonite Your Way 7 years ago and value your friendship, love, and hospitality. My daughters fondly remember Gale giving them a ride on his tractor and we all appreciated Gale and Florence's help as we prepared to leave Hawaii and move to Corvallis last year. I loved spending time with Gale, talking about agriculture, and he was always helpful and generous with his wise advice. May God bless and guide your family in this time of grief and we are assured that Gale is joyous now in Jesus' loving arms.Love,Eve, Lannon, Christa, and Paula Oldenburg

So sorry for your loss.  Gale was a special part of our class at Western. 

Gale was a man of noble character and will be greatly missed.  Condolences to the family.

Much love to you and your family. Donna Burk

florence, karin and ryan, i second what byron and karma wrote. you family meant alot to my mom and dad (beulah and john) and i as well, have always cherished that friendship too. so sorry to hear this. my prayers are with you all as you adjust to a new reality in your family life together. one thing about gale: he was quiet but he had a killer sense of humor! i will always remember that. :-) much love to you all!

I met Gale and Florence at a church in Bangladesh. When Gale found out I was headed to OSU for graduate studies he suggested that I reach out to his mom, Adella, which I did and that led to a special friendship. I was so touched when Adella came all the way to attend my wedding in Pasadena several years later. I'm so sorry to hear of Gale's passing but I am quite sure that he touched many people's lives as he touched mine.

Florence, Karin and Ryan,We are so very sorry to hear of Gale's passing.  We have so many wonderful memories of Gale and your whole family.  Gale always took a lot of interest in our lives and the Gingrich family.  We still remember the last time we were at your home and Gale was busy making apple cider outdoors.  We feel very grateful for getting to spend that time with him and all of you; it was so enjoyable.  Also, all the friendship and help you gave Karma's Mom Beulah meant a lot to us and even more to her.  She talked about you guys all the time and she and John really valued your friendship.Please know that we will be praying for you all,Byron and Karma 

We are shocked and devastated at the sudden loss of Gail.  He will leave a big hole in the world and in the lives of many. Please know you are being held in our hearts and prayers.

Florence,  I am so sorry for this loss to you and your family.  I know your love and devotion to Gale endures but I am sorry you will have to go through this next stage of your lives together.  My wish is your memories bring some peace to you and your family.

OBITUARY

Gale A. Gingrich

4 March, 1944 – 18 April, 2021

Virgil T Golden Funeral Service

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