Gale was born in Lebanon, Oregon to Adella Stutzman and Allen Gingrich. He attended Western Mennonite High School, Linn Benton Community College and Oregon State University, receiving a Master’s Degree in Agronomy. He married Florence Kropf in 1964. They were married for 56 years.
Gale worked for over 30 years for OSU Extension Service as an agronomist and 15 years post retirement for Marion Ag Service in St Paul, OR. The relationships he made, both personal and professional, in the Willamette Valley and beyond were profoundly important to him.
He volunteered with his wife and family in both France and Bangladesh with Mennonite Central Committee, a relief and development organization. These experiences contributed to his strong belief in the value of a global community and the imperative to serve others.
Gale is survived by his wife Florence, children Karin Weaver (husband Curt, son Jonathan, daughter Chloe), Ryan Gingrich (wife Heather, daughters Emma and Sophie), sister Jessie Hostetler (husband Philip), brothers Byron Gingrich (wife Virginia), Roy Gingrich (wife Tammy) and many nieces and nephews. More than anything, Gale cherished his family and friends, particularly his 4 grandchildren Jonathan, Emma, Chloe and Sophie, for whom he would make the most delicious milkshakes whenever the berries were in season.
Viewing will be held at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service on Saturday, April 24 from 1 to 5pm.
In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to the Mennonite Central Committee. donate.mcc.org
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