Gale L. Peterson, age 72 of South Wayne, died on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at the Pleasant View Nursing Home. He was born on November 17, 1938, the son of Alfred and Lucille (Butler) Peterson. He was a 1958 graduate of South Wayne High School. Gale and Marlys K. Marty were married on October 8, 1961 at the Peace United Church of Christ in Browntown. He worked at the Mayer Cheese Factory for many years and later farmed in the South Wayne area. In Gale's earlier years he played slow pitch, he always enjoyed a good game of euchre and he liked to bowl, being on different bowling leagues. He enjoyed long conversations with his neighbors, but Gale especially loved spending time with his family, and being with his grandchildren. Gale was an avid Packer and Badger fan, rarely missing a game.

He is survived by his sons, Rodney (Tami) of Orangeville, IL, Robbie (Mary Hagen), Mark (Lorie), and Marty all of South Wayne; 5 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; his siblings, Leonard "Buck" Peterson of Warren, IL, Linda (Myron) Meythaler of South Wayne, Joann (Delano) Marty of South Wayne, Ted Peterson of Brodhead, Angie Ritschard of Woodford, Mary Ellen (Thomas) McGinnis of Gratiot; also several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and wife, Marlys.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at 1:00 P.M. at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in South Wayne, with Pastor Dennis Perger officiating. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery in South Wayne. A visitation will be held on Saturday from 11:00 A.M. until time of service at 1:00, at the Church. The Hanson Funeral Home is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Gale's memory.