Patricia Ann Gale

December 7, 1939 – August 4, 2026

Patricia “Pat” Gale, age 86, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026, at Parkview Nursing Home, following a courageous fight with Alzheimer’s disease. Through it all, her sense of humor and bright spirit remained a source of comfort to those who loved her.

Pat initially grew up in on her family’s farm in Loran, Illinois and attended a one-room schoolhouse. Decades later, she would delightfully take family members there to enjoy what turned into the Slurp n Burp. She later grew up in Stockton, Illinois, and graduated from Stockton High School in 1957. She married James “Jim” Gale of nearby Warren in 1958.

As a young woman she worked at W.T. Rawleigh Company as a secretary, but she spent most of her adult life as a certified dental assistant. When Jim retired from the fire department in 1993, Pat happily retired also and they embraced life’s next adventure. Together, they spent many wonderful years traveling the country, including trips to New England, New York City, San Francisco and Yosemite as well as many trips to visit their children in Florida and Colorado. Pat also spent many afternoons with Jim on the golf course.

Pat was an avid reader and a frequent visitor to the Freeport Public Library, but her greatest joy was when her home was filled with family. She was a gifted cook who delighted in preparing delicious meals. Her great sense of humor, quick wit, and warmth were the heart of every family gathering. She enjoyed painting and her keen eye as an antique collector and interior decorator was evident throughout her home.

She is survived by her son Kevin, daughter Tanya Wetherbee (Wade), her dear sisters Wilma Anderson and Phyllis Myers and brother Allen Althof as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, who also passed away this year. She was also preceded in death by her parents, William and Cecile Althof; her brothers, Karl, Phillip, and Eugene Althof; and her sister, Marilyn Shipley.

A joint memorial service to celebrate the lives of both Pat and Jim is planned for September, when they will be lovingly reunited at rest together at Chapel Hill Cemetery.

In honor of Pat’s brave journey, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association to help fight the disease she fought so courageously.