Leo “Boxie” Gale, 96, passed away in Burlington on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, overlooking the lake that he loved.
Leo was born in Chicago on March 20, 1927. He was the son of Prussia and Polish immigrants, Leon and Helen (nee Kopec) Gale. He earned his engineering degree from Lane Tech in Chicago and served in the U.S. Coast Guard at the end of World War II. On June 20, 1948 he was united in marriage to the love of his life Joan Petrie, a descendent from one of the first families to build a summer home on Browns Lake. Joanie preceded him in death in 2011.
Leo retired as President and CEO in 1993 from the Lockformer/Metcoil Company where he worked for 47 years. He was a member of American Legion Post 79, member of the Browns Lake Sanitary District and founder and charter member of Browns Lake Yacht Club. He was one of the “old cronies” of Fred’s Breakfast Club. He loved classic cars, especially his 1975 Oldsmobile Delta 88 convertible. He enjoyed sailing with his wife Joanie “Little Jo” and racing on Browns Lake up to age 89. He enjoyed ice boating, fishing, travelling the world, and Notre Dame football games and tailgate parties in South Bend.
Family was very important to Leo. He loved his three daughters, his grandchildren and was thrilled with the newest great grandson “Little Leo”.
Leo is survived by his children, Marsha (the late Norman) Jewell, Cindy (Jack Atkinson) Gale and Pam (the late Arthur) Hegji; grandchildren, Erik (Devon) Carlson, Amber (Kyle) Davis, Julie (Jennifer) Jewell, Tammi (Jim) Charnin, Cori (Bob) Hanus, Kelli (Chad) Stahl, Traci (Paul) Trimburger, Sandra (Jacob) Hegji and Renee (Robert) Marcum; and great-grandchildren, Drewanne Carlson, Parker Davis, Quinton Davis, Tanner Davis, Archer Jewell, Katherine MacDonald, Ayden Marcum and Leo Marcum.
Leo was preceded in death by his wife, sister Barbara (Albin) Szewczyk and granddaughter Lynnie (nee Jewell) MacDonald.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Aurora at Home Hospice for their care and compassion during this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, which was a cause very close to Leo’s heart, Veterans Terrace Burlington American Legion Post #79 or Browns Lake Yacht Club Sailing School
A Celebration of Life, hosted by the family, will be held at a later date.
Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home is serving the family. Well-wishers may visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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