Wilma Gale hailed from Minnesota, born on April 21, 1933 to Sam and Ida Stewart, the fifth of six girls. With all her sisters married, she realized she would end up taking care of her parents unless she got outta town. Having read an article that pointed to Casper, Wyoming as full of eligible bachelors, she made the decision to move there shortly after getting her nursing degree.

She soon met Jack Gale, who was dazzled by Wilma’s beautiful smile, happy personality, and possibly by her exceptional meatloaf recipe. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married on March 8, 1958. Four years later they had been blessed with three children, Ernie, Sam, and Sandra. Jack and Wilma remained happily married for 58 years, until Jack’s death.

Wilma had an adventurous spirit and loved to laugh. Any adventure that came along, she was all in. After Jack’s retirement, they traveled extensively. The Cayman Islands, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and a particularly memorable trip to New York City were a few of their adventures. And Wilma’s positive spirit and sense of humor made every adventure fun.

In 1968 Wilma studied the Bible and became one of Jehovahs Witnesses. She lived her faith daily and shared it weekly for the rest of her life

Wilma was proud of her driving skills, which were actually pretty good if one was not prone towards car sickness. Occasionally she would claim to ‘drive better backwards than forwards’, and if any doubted this claim she would offer demonstrations. Most learned not to challenge, but simply buckle up and hold on.

Despite her early efforts, Wilma did indeed end up caregiving for both her own parents and Jacks mother, which she did cheerfully and without complaint for years. In time, she helped care for Jack as well.

The thing Wilma will probably best be remembered for, aside from her easygoing and positive attitude, was her legendary generosity. She loved coffee, friends, family, potatoes, ( in all possible forms) and Johnny Depp’s eyes. And, of course treats. Whether it was an ice cream, a coffee, or a chocolate croissant, Wilma always knew what was important.

Wilma lived with Sandra, her husband Ken, and their family for over fourteen years. Sandra and Wilma shared countless cups of tea and an unbreakable bond. Sam, along with his wife Meghan, spent time with her weekly, and she always looked forward to those outings. No one made her laugh like Sam.

Wilma died as she lived, in the arms of her family. When Wilma died, she was with her oldest son Ernie, and his wife Kathleen. She traveled to spend time with them each year for decades, and loved every visit. Even as dementia took more of her memories, she always remembered those times and their donkeys with fondness.

The dementia progressed, but Wilma stayed Wilma. She remember many things. The important things. She remember her faith. She remembered her family. She always remembered her beloved Jack. She remembered how to laugh at the ridiculousness of life, and how to live in the moment. And most importantly, she remembered Sandra was her favorite (sorry boys).

We will miss Wilma deeply. The loss is enormous. In accord with her faith, we look forward to seeing her beautiful smile and hearing her infectious laugh again. She is survived by all three of her children, their spouses, and three grandchildren, Taylor Preisler, McKenna Gale and Ryley Preisler.

The funeral will be at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on April 8, 2023, at 11:00. Celebration of life to follow.

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