Gale Watson was born Nov. 1, 1946, in Seward, to Ralph and Vivian (Mercer) Watson. He lived in the Utica area all his life. He graduated from Utica High School in 1965.
After working at Beckler Implement and Hughes Brothers for a short time, Gale started working as a motor grader operator for Seward County Department of Roads in December of 1970. Many referred to him as “The Maintainer Man.” He also farmed and enjoyed being outside on the family farm.
In June 1994, with his sweet smirky smile, Gale asked Penny to go to a tractor pull. That first day marked the beginning of a life they would make together. Two years later on June 8, 1996, Gale was united in marriage to Penny (McBride) Thompson.
Gale enjoyed spending time with family, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were truly the light of his life. He treasured every moment spent with them and took great pride in watching his family grow. He also enjoyed traveling with Penny. They went on many adventures together, but their Alaskan cruise was his favorite.
Gale continued to run the maintainer out of Utica for 45 years as well as farm until his retirement in January 2016.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Vivian Watson; parents-in-law, John and Dolores McBride; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Hollis and Kathy Bragg; and brother-in-law, Art Rohweder.
Survivors include his wife, Penny Watson of Utica; daughters, Shelia Petersen and Shelley Watson, both of Seward; grandchildren, Brandon (Tara) Prochnow of Wahoo, Shalyn (Patrick) Williams of Elkhorn, Lane (Grace) Watson of Brainard, and Grant Petersen of Lincoln; great-grandson, Boone Klabenes and great-granddaughter, Lainey Watson; brother, Ron (Velma) Watson of Utica; brothers-in-law, Rick McBride (friend, Angie Wright) of Valley, and Dan (Hali) McBride of Gresham; sister-in-law, Candy Rohweder of Beaver Crossing; nieces and nephews that loved him dearly and a host of friends.
Visitation is Thursday, Sept. 3, from 3 – 8 p.m. at Volzke Funeral Home with a gathering of family and friends from 6:30 – 8 p.m. The funeral service is Friday, Sept. 4, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Utica with committal at the Utica Cemetery.
Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
