Obituaries

David "Squeak" Truman Gale

May 27th, 1951 – April 20th, 2025

David “Squeak” Truman Gale, aka “Big Fish”, of Ipava, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 20th, 2025. He was born on May 27, 1951 in Macomb, IL, the son of Truman and Louise (Batterton) Gale. David married his high school sweetheart, Arlene Steele, on August 8, 1969 in Table Grove, IL. She survives.

He is also survived by one son; Christopher Gale, grandson; Trenton Gale; two sisters; Norma Weishaar and Donna (and Dave) Thome, along with a host of special nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents and brother-in-laws; Jerry Weishaar, Dean Malott and Neale Krider.

In high school David began working with local construction companies and farmers. After graduation from V.I.T. High School he worked at NTN Bowers in Macomb and International Harvester in Canton for 14 years before returning to grain and livestock farming full time.

David loved everything outdoors, boating on the Lake of the Ozarks, hunting, fishing on the Great Lakes, mud slings and tractor pulls with his son, and fast pitch softball with his brother-in-laws and cousin, Don.

There wasn’t a Sunday where you wouldn’t find David watching NASCAR or cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. You could always find a gun or fishing pole in his hand ready to go.

He was a member of the Vermont Methodist Church and the Fulton County Farm Bureau.

David will always be remembered for his orneriness, his laughter, his loyalty and love for his family. Though he is gone, he is now without pain and the love he gave us remains a beautiful reminder of his presence in our lives.

A service will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Mike Ulmer will be officiating. A visitation will take place from 1 to 3 pm on Sunday, April 27 before the service. Cremation rites will be accorded after the service. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Ambulance or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Condolences

April 21st, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Cyndy Waller

April 21st, 2025

My sincere condolences, Bob Hernk

April 21st, 2025

I'm so very sorry to read about Dave's passing. You never saw him without a smile. Thinking of Arlene, Chris,Trenton & his family. 💔 Debbie Douglas

April 21st, 2025

So very about Dave, he was a classmate and a fun guy. Thinking of his family during this difficult time.🙏Bob and Susie Bucher

April 21st, 2025

So so sorry for your loss Arlene and Chris! We have many wonderful memories of your family when you were our neighbors in Vermont. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!-Hickle Family

April 21st, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Arlene and Chris. My deepest sympathy. Linda Bean Windsor

April 21st, 2025

Arlene, I am so sorry for the loss of Dave. He was such a wonderful guy who helped me out that horrible morning when the blizzard hit. I was so grateful for him being at home cause I was scared to death. I've never forgotten his help that day. He's at peace now. Lynn Spencer

April 22nd, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers. Becky and Floyd Melvin

April 22nd, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Dave. We played a lot of softball together “in the day” Always a good guy. My deepest sympathy. Jim Bucy

April 22nd, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Karen and Jim Hopkins

April 22nd, 2025

Sorry for your loss, Tommy and Pam Trone

April 22nd, 2025

We are so sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you all. Bob & Cary Little

April 22nd, 2025

So sorry to hear this. Always loved chatting with him at my work... We had that Vermont bond. Not to say that we were also great friends of the family. Our hearts go out to you and the family. Ketra & Jon Branson

April 22nd, 2025

I'm sorry for your loss. Blake Hollenback

April 23rd, 2025

Thinking of all of you, and lifting prayers. Lynn Bubb

April 23rd, 2025

Arlene, Chris, Donna, Norma and your families, I'm so shocked and so sorry to read of David's passing. My sincere thoughts and prayers to all of you. Joyce Schisler Behymer

April 23rd, 2025

So very sorry to hear of your loss,squeak was one of the nicest,kindest people I have ever met. Kevin Kirkbride

April 24th, 2025

Arlene and Family: So very sorry to hear about David's passing. You and David were the most thoughtful neighbors and Dad enjoyed talking with David. We're thinking of you in this difficult time.... Dave and Debbie Berry - Carol Miller

April 24th, 2025

So very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike and Linda Blemler