Gale was born on March 24, 1938 in Marion, Kansas, to Wes Stelting and Opal Ehrlich Stelting. After graduating from Ottawa University, he achieved his Master's in Education and taught middle school for 36 years in the Shawnee Mission School District. Upon his retirement, Gale became a Master Gardener, and was active in the Arts In Prison Ministry and East Hill Singers. He also especially loved being part of the Village Church Concert Choir and was blessed to take several trips to Europe with the choir, alongside the love of his life, Julianne Z. Stelting, whom he married on April 6, 1995.
Gale touched many lives during his 36 year teaching career as well as through his many charitable involvements. As a teacher, he was always described as the "cool teacher" - the one everyone wanted. He was remembered as making learning fun. As a friend, he is remembered as someone who loved and served others - tirelessly, completely and selflessly. He was especially good at keeping in touch with people. While many may lose track of people they meet along life's journey, Gale made a point to never lose touch with anyone; people and relationships were just that important to him.
Gale loved cooking and trying new foods. He also loved sports, especially the Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs. He loved all kinds of music and art and participated in music his entire life. He most loved time spent with family. Gale always looked forward to family gatherings. He especially loved Autumn, Thanksgiving and the holiday season. It is fitting that the day he "went home" was a beautiful fall day with the sun bringing out the beauty of the changing leaves.
Gale was preceded in death by his father and mother, along with his brother, Gary Stelting. He is survived by his loving wife, Julianne, along with children Julie (Todd) Baker of Overland Park, KS; David Stelting of Kansas City, KS; Jeff (Kim-Marie) Evans of Corona Del Mar, CA; Cathy (Chris) Woolway of Collegeville, PA; and Christy (Rob) Moore of Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Luke, Jordan and Allison Baker; Taylor, Kendall and Logan Stelting, and Macie, "JJ", Wilson, and Keaton Evans. He is also survived by his brother, Keith (Carole) Stelting of Edmond, OK.
A Celebration of Gale's life will be held on Friday, November 8, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., at Village Presbyterian Church on 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations made to the Village Presbyterian Church Music Ministry.
The family wishes to thank the medical community for their tireless care of Gale.
