Gale F. Stephenson, 87, was called Home to meet his Savior on July 20, 2015. Although Gale resided in Fort Wayne and New Haven for many years, his heart was never far from the Monroeville farm where he was born. A graduate of Monroeville High School, Gale was a faithful provider who retired from Rea Magnet Wire and then happily went to work at the Paterson Do it Best in New Haven. Gale found great joy in every step of his gardening from planting the first seed until the final canning jar popped and was put up for the winter. Gale understood that the greatest satisfaction was in giving and he lived a life of service in the church including teaching Sunday School, training acolytles, as well as many other quiet acts. Marlene and Gale treasured the friendships they made at St. Luke's Lutheran and later at St. James Lutheran Church. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Gale also was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite. Left behind to miss their father are his very grateful children, Todd (Janet) of Fort Wayne, Luann (Jack) Davidson of Lancaster, Ohio, and Amy (Wayne) Lloyd of Medina, Ohio; eight grandchildren whom he adored, Jessica (Blake) Sharpe, Lesley Stephenson, Rachel (Charles) Elsea, Emily Davidson, Andrew Davidson, Mark Davidson, James Lloyd, and Katie Lloyd. Great grandchildren, Silas and Margaret Sharpe, Ainsley and Graeme Elsea also brought Gale great joy. Gale will also be missed by his beloved sister, Betty Rose Holthaus, and her family of Wheeling, Illinois, along with dear cousins, neighbors and friends. Gale had patiently awaited his reunion in heaven with his childhood sweetheart and bride, Marlene Schlup Stephenson, who passed away in 2010; his parents, Homer and Clara, as well as a brother and sister-in-law, William (Virginia), and brother-in-law, Robert Holthaus. A worship service celebrating the entrance of Gale into the Kingdom Triumphant begins at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2015, at St. James Lutheran Church, New Haven with visitation one hour prior to the service. Visitation also from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2015 at the church. In keeping with Gale's life-long interest in good stewardship, it is respectfully requested that flowers be omitted. Memorials, if desired, can be directed to St. James Lutheran Church, New Haven, or Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lancaster, Ohio. The Stephenson family extends their deepest gratitude to the friends and caregivers who, in so many ways, took Gale's hand during his journey these past years. In the words of our dad, "Thank you".
