Gale Koelker

Gale H. "Ike" Koelker, age 85, formerly of Cassville, passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2015, at Atrium Post Acute Care in Lancaster after a struggle with dementia the past six years. He was born on August 4, 1930, in Grant County, the son of Joseph F. Koelker, Sr. and Wilma M. (Batchleor) Koelker. Ike graduated from Cassville High School. He loved sports and was captain of the basketball team and was a really great baseball player. Ike always had a love for horses and mules. Ike traveled around with some rodeo friends and did trick roping in the summer. He entertained at the rodeos and at parades and also did clown work at the rodeos. On August 17, 1951, he was united in marriage to Louise Pierce. Ike entered the United States Air Force on August 21, 1951, and was honorably discharged in 1955. Following his discharge, he began employment at Dairy Land Power Plant and worked there for nine years. Ike had many other jobs until he went out on his own as a qualified electrician. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Louise; three children: Debra (Irv) Wadsworth, Las Vegas, NV; Randy (Bernice) Koelker, Cassville; Jacki (Bill) Ley, Cassville; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Della Mae (Terry) Davenport, Homosassa, FL; sister-in-law, Joyce Koelker, Cassville; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ike was preceded in death by his siblings: Joseph "Bud," Lawrence "Larry," and Patricia Koelker.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, December 28, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at Martin Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cassville with Reverend Pamela Strakeljahn officiating. Burial with military honors was in Cassville Cemetery. Family and friends called on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.