Frank Gale

Frank Gale, 78 of Creston, Iowa entered eternal rest Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at home surrounded by his family. Services will be Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Creston with Rev. Cyndy Ripperger officiating. Committal services will be in the Graceland Cemetery Chapel with Military Honors by Theodore J. Martens VFW Post #1797. Public viewing will be from 12 PM-4 PM Monday at the funeral home with cremation to follow. Family will receive friends from 5-7 PM, Monday also at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the 1st Presbyterian Church or to the Frank Gale Memorial to be established by the family. Condolences and memories can be shared online at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Frank Dudley Gale was born in Marshalltown, Iowa September 22, 1944, the son of Theryl Henry and Ruth Amelia (Nauman) Gale. Frank was raised and educated in the Marshalltown area and graduated from Beaman-Conrad-Liscomb High School in Conrad, Iowa with the Class of 1963. On August 20, 1967, Frank was united in marriage to Judith Elaine Kemper in Marion, Iowa. Frank and Judy would be blessed with the birth of 3 children: Angela, Tiffany and Brandon.

In 1971, Frank received a Bachelor Degree in Cinema and Photography from Southern Illinois University. He earned his Master’s Degree in 1973 in Occupational and Vocational Education. Frank taught college level photography and Law Enforcement at Truman State University in Missouri for several years until the family moved to Creston, Iowa in July of 1979 when Frank began working in Administration at Southwestern Community College for a short time. From 1981-1988, Frank owned and operated Fotos by Frank photography studio, but his passion was to help young people in school. Frank taught Special Education at the Mt. Ayr Alternative School, the Clarinda Academy and the Des Moines Public Schools until retiring in 2012. He continued teaching by substituting in area schools until 2020.

Frank was a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church, serving on numerous committees and held many different offices in the church. Frank also served his country in the National Guard for 14 years and was a member of the American Legion. He served 2 terms on the Creston City Council, volunteered at the Creston Visitors Center and participated in various Crest Area Theater Plays and productions. Frank was active in the Union County Democratic Party and 4-H Small Animal Committee, judging photography and small animal contests in 4-H. He also helped with the 4-H Rabbit show at the Iowa State Fair. Frank was a member since 1985 of the American Rabbit Breeders Association and the Iowa State Rabbit Breeders Association. Frank and Judy spent many years camping at the Iowa State Fair and Frank loved participating in the Beard Costume Contest. The family also enjoyed camping at Green Valley State Park for many years.

Preceding Frank in death was his son, Brandon Douglas Gale; his parents; a sister-in-law, Nancy Gale; brother-in-law, David Ward; his in-laws, Art and Anita Kemper; and great-nieces: Chloe Gale, Aurora DeVries and Lani Ward.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Judy Gale of Creston; his daughters: Angela Sue (Billy) Wimber of Afton, IA and Tiffany Lynn Gale, of Creston; 9 grandchildren: Mikayla (Hunter) Walker, Tony (Morgan) Wojtalewicz, twins Krisha and Kayla Davis, Trevor Davis, Katelinn (J.R.) Hicks, Cole Wimber, Dylan Wimber and Skyler Gale; 6 great-grand-children: Paisley, Forrest and Tripp Wojtalewicz; Brynlee Davis, Kamilah Frazier and Elaina Hicks. Frank is also survived by 3 brothers: James (Stephanie) Gale of Moorehead, MN, David (Traci) Gale of Ross, CA and Jerry Gale (wife Suzanne Perry) of Brooklyn Park, MN; a brother-in-law, Ken Kemper of Anamosa, IA; and sister-in-law, Jan Ward of Independence, MO