Gayle was born on October 2, 1941 in Red Lake Falls, MN. He resided with his wife Sharon in Henderson, Nevada, with their vacation home in Forest Lake, Minnesota. He loved fishing, camping, and playing softball in a couples' league. One season, their team made it to the state tournaments in Minneapolis, where Gayle was coach and pitcher. The team was very proud of this accomplishment.
Gayle attended Red Lake Falls Elementary and Buhl High School, where he graduated in 1959. While still in high school, he and a group of about 7 other boys formed their own group called the "Earth Angels". They all wore black leather jackets, and were friends with the Buhl Police Department. If any of the boys heard rumors of a gang coming into Buhl, they informed the police and prevented many problems.
Gayle attended Glen Cary Lutheran Church in Ham Lake for many years. He worked as a Tool Designer for Honeywell until retirement. He was very ambitious and hardworking, as he also had a lawn service business, a trophy business, and cleaning service with his wife, Waivel, all while still working at Honeywell. Once he retired, he wasn't one to sit in his old rocking chair. He started his own Tool Design Company with his son, Scott, and a third individual. The company is GBS, and is still operated today by his grandson, Steve.
Gayle loved to travel and was able to make that dream come true with Sharon. They did everything together - spending the last 23 years by each other's side. They enjoyed residing in Nevada and Minnesota, and the time they spent with family in both locations.
He was preceded in passing by his daughter, Wendy; and her mother, Waivel; parents, William and Evelyn Ulrich; and brother, Darryl.
Gayle is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Sharon Ulrich; children, Scott (Pam), Jeff, and Tracy; grandchildren, Steven (April), David (Jessi), Samuel, and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Nick, Abbey, Henry and Charles; siblings, Renette, Cheryl, Raynold, and Bonnie; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Join us to celebrate Gayle's life on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN. Visitation from 10:30 am to 11 am, service at 11 am, and luncheon to follow. Committal Service will be held at 1:15 pm at Morningside Memorial Gardens. All who would like to attend are welcome.
