Gayle was born on September 6th, 1937 to George Shield and Sarah Schrack Shield in their home located in Merino, CO. He was the youngest of 13 siblings that grew up tending the Shield Family Farm of crops and livestock. In spite of health issues and challenges with his eyesight, blessed Gayle was successful in his education and loved the sport of basketball through High School. Eventually studying at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, NE where he earned his BA in Accounting, he seldom missed a Nebraska football game while cheering the Broncos on every Sunday. Gayle married Kathryn Stark, and together they were with Kaye Lynn Shield-Meints and Jeffrey Eugene Shield. In 1982, Gayle married Karen Malasky-Shield, also becoming father to her son Kelly Ward Springer. Initially, Gayle traveled with his accounting practice until late in the ‘60's when he made Greeley, CO his home for over 40 years. After opening his own business in Greeley, Gayle has served over 3,500 clients over his career. Gayle valued the friendships he made over the years in business, church and activities. His passion for his family is what put a smile on his face the most. He loved to travel with his wife and share in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren's success. Gayle enjoyed reading, politics and discussing literature and politics with family and friends.
Through Gayle’s health challenges in life, he always proclaimed proudly how blessed he was. Gayle held his faith at the forefront of his life for all to see. He loved the opportunity to share stories of his blessings and everything that the lord has done for him. Gayle shared with everyone in his last days that he was excited to be joining his savior, and he was humming amazing grace with his wife and daughter with his last breaths.
Awaiting Gayle in heaven are his parents, all of his siblings and his beloved grandson James Edward Springer. Here to cherish Gayle’s memories are his loving and devoted wife Karen, Daughter Kaye, Sons Jeff and Kelly, Debbie and Merideth, grandchildren Keith Meints, Kylee Rhamy, Kelsie Jensen, Benjamin Shield, Stephen Shield, Hannah Osterhaus, Bethany Shield, Christopher Springer, Tyra Springer, Asher Springer, Justin Wamsley, Nicole Goslin, great grandchildren Kaitlyn, Ryker, Avari, Jacob, Conner, Lucas, Evelyn, Kaitlin, Lydia, Josiah, Madelyn, Noella, Oliver, Zoey, Kaleb, Mae, Anna-Belle, Mekah, Ruth, Everett, Lily and Nate.
The family would like to welcome the public for the viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of Gayle’s life on Monday July 22nd, 2024 at Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 W. 28th Street, Greeley, CO 80634.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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