Murland “Gale” Reese, 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 7, 2022, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Plymouth.
Born on January 6, 1932, in Marshall County, Indiana, Gale was the son of Noble and Mildred (Kaufman) Reese.
He graduated from LaPaz High School with the class of 1950. While at a basketball game his senior year, he was chasing a loose ball that landed in the lap of a beautiful young lady, Shirley A. Casto. That immediate love would never end. Gale and Shirley were married on February 18, 1951, in North Judson and shared 71 years together.
He farmed and later owned and operated for over 40 years Reese Equipment Company, a Case IH dealership until his retirement. He also raised racehorses and was active in the Marshall County 4-H.
Gale was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was all about making sure everyone was having fun. Gale was a committed giver to the church or anyone in need. He was a lifelong member of Shiloh Wesleyan Church. He served on the church board his whole life, taught Sunday school, was active in leadership at the church and was devoted to his lessons. Gale made sure to teach his family the love of the Lord through his leadership and dedication to family.
He is survived by his two children: Kathleen (Leslie) Kephart of Plymouth and Dennis (Janet) Reese of Plymouth; grandchildren: Marcus (Melinda) Kephart, Micah (Lisa) Kephart, Matthew (Courtney) Kephart, Myles Kephart, Kyle (Angela) Reese and Bryant (Joana) Reese; 14 great-grandchildren: and siblings: Ellsworth (Joan), Omer (Beverly), Arlene (Paul) Ingerham, and Daniel (Annette) as well as several nieces and nephews.
Gale is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Shirley on June 22, 2022, and brothers Kent and Roger and sister-in-law, Diane Reese.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022, from 5-7 p.m. at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Shiloh Wesleyan Church, 10532 4B Road, Plymouth. Visitation will resume one hour prior in the church.
Please click the link below to view the live-stream of the funeral service from Saturday, October 15th at 11AM:
Burial will follow in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial contributions can be made to Shiloh Wesleyan Church, 10532 4B Rd. Plymouth, IN 46563.
Jan Boos Bean says
Kathy, Dennis and families I express my sympathies to you. I first met your wonderful parents at the Plymouth Fastpitch Softball diamond watching church softball league. My Dad was Church of the Brethren and Gale Shiloh Lutheran. Great and wonderful days in the 50’s and 60’s and have loved your parents to this day crossing paths with them many times. I always thought of them as the perfect couple and know they are together today. Blessings to all of their loved ones.
Barb klapp says
Kathy and Dennis and families,
I am so sorry to read the news of the passing of your Dad .He was one of the nicest people I ever knew. I am sure losing them both so close together is heartbreaking and overwhelming.
I usually heard the names Gale and Shirley always said together. Now they are forever together.
Prayers for your entire family.
Melody Cox Norton says
What a wonderful man. He and his family created some of the best memories of my childhood. Still remember the 4H meetings and camp outs. Great times. Melody Cox Norton.
Yvonne Moyer Quint says
Kathy and Dennis and families. Sorry for your loss. Prayers
Christine Lotter says
Sorry, to hear this. Sincere sympathy to his family.
Matthew & Christine Lotter
John & Beth Perkinson says
Gale was a great friend and supporter of us during our 16 years as Pastors at Shiloh Wesleyan Church. We send our love, prayers, and condolences to the family. So sorry we can’t be there to share in his memorial service due to other commitments. Gale and Shirley hold a very special place in our hearts.
Pastor John & Beth Perkinson
Steve Holifield says
My condolences to the Reese family. Many, many years ago my father purchased an IH M from Gale and when I ran into him at a hay auction Wakarusa a few years ago I mentioned it to him. He remembered the deal almost to the letter. It is hard to find people like him in the farm equipment dealers nowadays.
Jim & Sally Scobey says
We are sorry that Gale has passed away but we know God has called him home. I knew Gale for many years clear back in my Shiloh church days as a boy. He was an inspiration to many in his lifetime and will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time of loss.
Don & Sandy Schultz says
Our sincere condolences to all of Gale’s family. What a wonderful man he was to all. What is Heaven’s gain is the world’s loss for sure. As was stated in a prior post, we agree, when the name Gale Reese was said, so was Shirley’s. Both so highly thought of. We send our prayers and blessings to you all.
Kim Rosinski ( Charlean Rosinski ) says
Our deepest condolences to Gale’s family . Mr.& Mrs. Earl Rosinski & family