Gale Edward Twitchell

Gale Twitchell April 18, 1942 – September 16, 2024 Gale Twitchell, 82, passed away in the same manner that he loved to live—peacefully and surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren. He was born on April 18, 1942, in Wacousta to Malcolm and Mary Twitchell and lived all his life in Wacousta—spending most of his years on the very same land where he grew up alongside his parents. Gale was a man of immense strength—both physically and mentally. He faced life’s challenges, including his recent diagnosis with stage 4 cancer in July, head-on with courage and determination. Gale was a devoted husband to his wife, Dianne. His greatest joy was the time spent with her and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom he loved unconditionally. An outdoorsman at heart, Gale loved fishing, hunting, and spending time at their cottage on Thousand Island Lake. In his younger years, he loved exploring the beauty of the U.P. and Canada with his wife and kids and touring the United States on his Honda Goldwing. He was a man of hard work with abundant intestinal fortitude. Gale worked for 35 years for General Motors after which he enjoyed 28 years of retirement. He was a hands-on kind of guy and skilled at many trades—whether it was auto body work, welding, construction, or operating heavy machinery, there was nothing mechanical he couldn’t figure out. He took great pride in his work and was always willing to lend a helping hand and teach others what he knew. His legacy is one of kindness, integrity, and love. His family meant everything to him, and his memory will forever live in their hearts. Gale is survived by his wife Dianne; children Brenda (Ken) Copley, Brian (Amanda) Twitchell, Becky (Tony) Whitney, Bethany (Owen) Twitchell Flynn, Bonnie Twitchell, Betsy (Charlie) Twitchell, Angelia (Scott) Gibbs; grandchildren Allison (Andre), Jacob (Libby), Brian, Joshua (Megan), Mackenzie, Cameron (Haylee), Sidney, Anna (Jared), Josette (Tyler), Emma, Mateo, Eleanor, and Zoe; great-grandchildren Zach, Niles, Mila, Madi, Athena, and Crue; brother James Twitchell; lifelong friends Stan Walker, Bob Marsh, and Lyle Patrick; in-laws Carol Twitchell, Ridge and Vicki Owen, Michelle (Al) Ayers, Michael (Lisa) Pierce, Janette (Paul) Walton, Carol Pierce, Jeff Shepard, Randy Shepard, Ridge Owen,Jr.; Clara Twitchell, the mother of his children; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family. Predeceased by his parents, infant son Dennis, sister Joyce (Ted) Kaminski, sister Janet (James) Eimer, brother Gary Twitchell, and sister-in-law Dawn Twitchell. A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 21, 2024, 11:00 AM at the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge with Pastor Chuck Foerster of Immanuel Lutheran Church, officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 4-7:00 PM and Saturday one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Wacousta Cemetery. A luncheon following the service at the cemetery will be at the Wacousta Community United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1640, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741 (https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=default&lang=en&_ga=2.15923125.2011167817.172662426527027192.1726624265&_gac=1.220277482.1726624265.CjwKCAjw0aS3BhA3EiwAKaD2ZReVqK11L5--h7ct69JJJjuW9cF66Cods8cbzcPzxWmzQYche4BZ6BoCdJMQAvD_BwE) or the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Avenue, Lansing, Michigan 48906 (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=cahsad&id=23). Share your memories and condolences online at www.holihanatkin.com

Gale Edward Twitchell

April 18, 1942 - September 16, 2024