May 5, 1937 ~ January 24, 2015
Gale Carlson Barfelz was born May 5, 1937 in Bridgeman, Michigan to Max Herman Barfelz and Pearl (Findley). He passed away January 24, 2015 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 77.
Gale was of the first generation in his family to be born in the United States after they emigrated from Germany. He was a stubborn German man who was very set in his ways. He was married to his first wife, Gwendolyn Beth (Byrd) for 40 years. They raised two sons together and later became foster parents to their twin great-grandchildren. Gale was a Master Crew Chief in the United States Air Force retiring after 21 years of faithful service to his country. He married his childhood girlfriend, Joan Mary (Mikolajczyk) after the death of his first wife.
Gale was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Pearl Barfelz; first wife, Gwendolyn Barfelz; son, Alan Barfelz; (1) great-granddaughter and a brother Earl Barfelz. Survivors include his wife of 16 years, Joan Mary Barfelz of the home; son, Max Barfelz and his wife Joan of Oklahoma City; daughter-in-law, Pamela Barfelz of Oklahoma City; (7) grandchildren, Jonathan, Joshua, Gena, Melissa, Rebecka, Gregory, James; and (9) great-grandchildren; sisters Sandra Jackson, Cheryl Pratt and her Mike; brother Eugene Barfelz.
A private memorial service will be held by Gale's family after which he will be laid to rest in the Ft Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan. Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.