Obituary of Stuart C. Gale

Stuart C. Gale, of Waukesha, was born to eternal life on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, after a brief bout with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, at Seasons Hospice at the age of 80. He was born on April 21, 1933 the son of Clifford and Verda (Zuehlke) Gale in Shawano, WI, and was raised in Green Bay, WI. Stuart was united in marriage to Marilyn J. Fluegel on July 14, 1956. He graduated with a double major in Instrumental and Choral Music from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. Stuart received his Masters Degree from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He took his first job at Central High School in Cincinnati as a band director. In 1962, he took a job at Longfellow Junior High in Wauwatosa until his retirement in 1992. Stuart was an active longtime member of Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church in Waukesha. He served as the Director of Music in area churches throughout Cincinnati, Loveland, Wauwatosa and Milwaukee. Stuart was a past Worshipful Master of the Wauwatosa Blue Lodge, member of the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association, and Milwaukee Area Retired Teachers. He was awarded the Legion of Honor by DeMolay and the Meritorious Service Award from Scottish Rite. Stuart was the Emeritus Director of the Scottish Rite Chorus and Emeritus Director for the Tripoli Shrine Chanters. He was an active volunteer in numerous community, civic organizations and church groups. Stuart was an active Adjudicator for the Wisconsin School Music Association, playing member in various area Community bands and choirs, a former member of the Green Bay Packer Band and an active ticket holder of the Packers. Although Stuart enjoyed a lifelong career in music and teaching, retirement brought enjoyment of travel in the US and abroad as well as continual participation in Learning in Retirement courses as a student and instructor. Stuart's life was filled with the joy of family, friends, students, music of all kinds, theatre, and further pursuit of learning. Throughout his years, the delight of his life was always his wife, his children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife and soulmate, Marilyn of 57 years; he was the devoted father to Lynn (Kevin) Snowden of Friendswood, TX, Douglas (Patricia) Gale of Nashotah, WI and Kathy Gale (Jim Durnil) of Waukesha; he was the very proud grandfather to David and Jonathan Snowden, Jacob and Thomas Durnil, Emily Gale, Capt. Sean (Capt. Claire) Ryan and Capt. Matthew (Alysha) Ryan. Also surviving are two sisters, Judith (Phil) Winkel of Fitchburg, WI and Beth Daggett of Middleton, WI; sister-in-law, Laurie Gale of Michigan. Stuart is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Verda Gale; and by a brother, Calvin Gale. Private burial was held at Wisconsin Memorial Park. A Memorial Visitation for Stuart will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Memorial Service at First United Methodist Church, located at 121 Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186. The Rev. Kris Androsky officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the First United Methodist Church of Waukesha (see address above) or the charity of the donor's choice. The Gale family wishes to thank Dr. Raza and the staff in the Oncology Department at Waukesha Memorial Hospital for the compassionate care that you provided.