Joseph Arthur Gale Jr.

Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Joseph Arthur Gale Jr., passed away on August 14, 2020 in Lehi, Utah. He was born on September 25, 1945 in Ogden, Utah to Joseph Arthur Gale, Sr. and Mabel Lorraine Henrie Gale. Joe was married to his sweetheart, Cheryl Eva Eldredge Gale on January 27, 1965 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Joe was a gentle, quiet, unassuming, humble man. Very few people realized he had a razor sharp wit. He would form a funny little grin and then follow it with a crazy, hilarious remark. He was loved by small children because they were his favorite people. At family gatherings, the adults would gather and talk, but Grandpa would always be found playing with the little ones on the floor or in the corners. . He carried tic-tacs in his pocket for his grandchildren. When the grandchildren cried, he bribed them with M&Ms as a treat. He taught primary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Saints for several years. All the little girls went home and delightedly told their mothers that Mister Roger’s was their primary teacher. He always loved and protected those for whom he cared. He was a tireless worker. He worked for Smith’s Food and Drug for many years. He worked hard to support his family. He was steadfast and reliable. For lunch, he always went to Subway. The staff called him the “Subway Man” and prepared his sandwiches before he even arrived. Joe always put others before himself. He would comfort, love, and serve his family, his friends, and anyone else who needed to be lifted up and cheered up. Joe loved nature and taking pictures of flowers and the beautiful canyons of southern Utah. He and Cheryl loved the National Parks and traveled to them frequently. They loved to bike in Moab, hike in Zion’s, and camp in Arches. He taught Jonathon, his son, to drive on the back roads of Capitol Reef National Park. Joe loved to read and he would go to the library for three books each week. Often, you could find Joe with his nose in a book. He loved to share book lists with his friends and family. One of Joe and Cheryl’s greatest treasures was their extensive library. One of Joe’s favorite authors was William Shakespeare. He loved to attend excellent plays at the Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City, Utah. Joe’s favorite drink was Coca Cola. Anyone who was around Joe knew him to have a Coke in his hand at any dinner or party. Late in his life, Coke became a favorite way to bribe Joe at the care center. Joe also loved chocolate and ice cream. At the care center, Joe would go to the nurses’ station for his chocolate treat each day. He would quietly stand and smile at the nurses until they asked him if he would like a piece of chocolate.

Joe and his wife Cheryl loved the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joe retired early and they began years of service as missionaries for the church. Joe and Cheryl went on a mission to Denver, Colorado and spent two years microfilming probate records for the family history department. Joe spent long hours standing before a camera taking pictures of death records to be used in family research. When they returned home, Joe and Cheryl immediately went to work at the Jordan River Temple as ordinance workers. They served there for several years until they were called to serve as the directors of the Family History Department at the Utah State Prison. They both loved and rejoiced in their time serving for the Church.

Joe’s love of sports started at Davis High School where he ran cross-country track. He was the sports writer for the school paper and yearbook. As an adult, you could find him each Sunday afternoon watching NFL football. He was an avid fan of every sport that had a ball. Joe started each day with a 3-5 mile run until he was in his 60s. In 2009, he even ran the Wasatch Back Ragnar race with his children.
Joe was not a person who was interested in receiving accolades or recognition. He measured his success through his relationship with his family. He always led by example and leaves behind a legacy of many family members who love and adore him.

Joe is survived by his brothers David, Lynn and Larry Gale, and sister Jane. He leaves behind his sweetheart Cheryl Gale; his children, Joseph (Sherry) Gale, Richard Gale, Catherine (Kent) Thacker, Christine (Kurt) Adams, Carrie (Cip) Petersen, Jonathan (Stephanie) Gale, Jason (Sarah) Gale; his 37 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Carol, Kathy, Judy; and his brother Bob.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, August 20, 2020 at 11:00 am at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah. Viewings will be on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens and one hour prior to funeral services.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Highland Glen and Covington memory care units for their exceptional care for Joe. We will be forever grateful for the service rendered for the past two years of Joe’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe's name to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org.