Wayland High School graduate Gale William Boniface, 74, of South Haven, died Jan.19 in Port Richie, Fla.
Gale was the son of the late Orvil and Lefa (Jones) Boniface, former owners of the Shelbyville Tavern. After graduating from Wayland, he spent his career as a tool and die operator at GM from 1965 until retirement in 1999. He resumed his career as a mechanical engineer for Stanhall Manufacturing from 1999 to 2001.
Gale then spent several years touring the U.S. in his RVs with his wife Jennie by his side. He spent the winter months with friends in Port Richie.
Gale’s carpentry skills and the four musketeers were known by many. He took great pride in his top notch landscaping skills.
Gale is survived by his wife Jennie, his children: Lori (Tim) Barrett, Sheryl (Jerrold) Baushke, Brien (Justine) Boniface and stepchildren: Michelle (Jeff) Keyes and Shawn Schneider. Brother, Dale (Helen) Boniface and Sister, Marlene (Sierd) Hoekstra. Gale was blessed with seven grandchildren, four step grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and step great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be at noon Feb. 18 at the First Presbyterian Church, 119 East Delaware St. Decatur. A luncheon will immediately follow at the VFW Post 6248, 560 N. Phelps St. Decatur.
Contributions in memory of Gale may be made to the American Cancer Society.
