SPARTA – Elmer George Gale, 83, of Sparta, Illinois passed away surrounded by his loved ones on November 7, 2023, at St. Francis in Cape Girardeau.

Elmer was born on February 3, 1940, to the parents of Clyde and Myrtle (Bryan) Gale. He married his wife Judith Anderson Gale on November 14, 1964.

Elmer was retired from Captain Mine and Fabic of St. Louis, Missouri. He was a member of the Catholic Faith, Knight of Columbus, UMWA, and Operating Engineers. Elmer loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Dallas Cowboy football, and dirt track racing. He would love to put others first and do anything with his granddaughters, as long as he had coffee in his hand no matter what time of day it was. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Elmer was survived by his wife Judith Gale; son, Bret (Kathy) Gale; Granddaughters, Alexandra (Matthew) Diercks, and Bailey Gale (Andrew Bishop); Brothers, Louie (Ruth) Gale and Ted (Jane) Gale; sister, Marilyn Smith, and Elaine (Clarence) Becherer; sister-in-law, Sherry Gale; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Elmer is proceeded in death by, his parents; stepson, Douglas Wiltshire; siblings, Clyde (Bucky) Gale, Donald Gale, Lawrence (Tuff) Gale, Yvonne Bergkoetter, and David Gale; sister-in-law, Beverly Gale; and brother-in-law, Albert Bergkoetter.

Elmer's wishes were to have no services and to be donated to Wahington University.