Gale Henry Ediger, 88, of rural Haven, peacefully passed away on April 5, 2025, at Pleasant View Home, Inman. Gale was born, August 10, 1936, in Hutchinson, to Henry A. and Minnie (Peters) Ediger. He often shared that when he was born, Hutchinson was experiencing a record heat wave, sending temperatures from 111 degrees Fahrenheit to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, a tough time with no air conditioning.
Gale graduated from Haven High School in 1954. His work ethic was an important example for Gale’s family. In his early years, he worked at Boeing, installing fuel tanks in the B52 bombers. His next endeavor was hauling cement for Haven Redi-Mix, where he hauled many loads of cement for the construction of the Cheney Reservoir Dam Project. He then was hired by Jack Parker, to help develop his manufacturing company, known as Haven Steel Products. Gale worked there for over 25 years as a plant manager and as head of maintenance. After leaving Haven Steel, he worked at NCRA refinery in McPherson, now known as CHS Refinery, for 13 years, eventually retiring at the age of 71. After retirement, Gale continued to work on many projects; his family considered him a “McGyver” as he could fix anything with limited resources.
Gale played fast pitch softball with the 793rd team made up of Boeing workers and airmen from McConnell Airforce Base. He was an excellent fast pitch softball pitcher and pitched in games all over Kansas. His love of the game led him into coaching Little League Baseball with Bill Baldauf in Haven. Later, he led the Haven Baptist Church softball team to the state championship in the mid 70’s as their head coach.
On January 23, 1957, he married Joleen Kay Eales, in Lyons, KS. They shared 67 years of marriage, prior to her death on February 10, 2024.
The most significant part of Gale’s life was his devotion to his family. When his kids were young, he would load them up with some of their friends and go fishing in his boat on Cheney Lake. Additional time was spent teaching them to hunt, trap, and identify animal tracks, which installed an appreciation of the outdoors in all of them. His love was really demonstrated in his daily car drives to be with and to care for Joleen during her two-year stay at Pleasant View Home, Inman. His family remembers him as an encourager, wanting everyone to succeed, and to always do the best you can. He brimmed with pride over his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and loved hearing about their activities and accomplishments.
Gales is survived by: his children Roger (Joleen) Ediger, Ron (Carolie) Ediger, Diane (John) Meadows; 6 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and brother, Wesley Ediger.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Joleen; and brothers, Clifford and Darrell Ediger.
Cremation has taken place. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025, at Laurel Cemetery, Haven. Friends may sign his book from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2025, with family present from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.