Gale, William Edward

William Edward Gale, 94, died peacefully Saturday night, June 8, 2013, at Solon Nursing Care Center. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Solon, with the Rev. James Vrba officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Lensing Funeral, 210 Holiday Rd., Coralville, with a vigil starting at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association

William, known as Bill, had been battling lung cancer for the past year and a half. He moved into Solon Nursing Care Center in February after living in Coralville with his wife, Marie for the past 28 years. He joined Marie who has been living there with Alzheimer's.

Bill, the son of Harry and Nellie Gale, was born April 10, 1919, in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1938. He enlisted in the military after high school, served in the Army during World War II and reached technical sergeant status upon discharge in 1945. Bill was a trained accountant and worked at the Iowa City VA for many years where he met his wife, Marie Polka Sevcik. They married Oct. 3, 1964. Bill and Marie were members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Bill never failed to have a smile on his face or a skip in his step. He was a wonderful grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren on a daily basis. Bill was an avid music lover. He played the harmonica and loved to harmonize with his brothers. He was very talented at giving hair cuts and shining shoes. He came from a long lineage of baseball players, played baseball himself and loved the sport. In his later years, he took much pleasure in traveling with his wife.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Russell, George and Harry Jr.; and brother-in-law and best friend, Robert Niccolai.

Bill is survived by his wife, Marie; his brother, Jack; a sister, Evelyn Niccolai; his two sons, Craig (Mary Ann) Sevcik of Solon and Joe (Casey) Gale of Coralville; and his grandchildren, Delaney, Bailey, Willey and Josey Gale.

Online condolences may be directed to .

Published in The Gazette June 11, 2013.