After a twenty year courageously fought battle against cancer, Gale Laurence Vetter, 82, of Milan, passed away from this world to his heavenly home on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Heartland Health Care Center, Moline. Services for Mr. Vetter will be 10 am, Tuesday at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Milan. Visitation will be Monday from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Milan. Burial will be in the Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island, where military honors will be conducted. Memorials may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Milan.

Gale was born on July 7, 1932 in Edgington, a son of Lawrence Vetter and Beatrice Boney Vetter. He graduated from Rock Island High School and attended Augustana College before being drafted into the U.S. Army . He served two years as a Staff Sergeant in the Korean War, fighting near the Pusan border. He was always proud of his Country and his service. Gale married Sally Ann Raschke on June 24, 1956 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Edford Township. He graduated from St. Ambrose College and worked as an accountant for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and later worked at Kartridge Pak. Gale later worked for the Rock Island Arsenal Ordinance Weapons Command as a program analyst, retiring in January, 1992 after 32 years of service.

Gale was a charter member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Milan, not only serving as treasurer for many years but helped to construct the church. He helped coach the Milan Optimist Club Basketball Team and was an active leader in Webelos and the Boy Scouts. Gale and his wife, Sally were members of the Double W Western Competitive Dance Team for many years, traveling to various states to compete. His family was the love and center of his life, and he was very proud of his sons and grandsons. Gale enjoyed watching his grandson's sporting events until his health deteriorated.

Gale is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sally; sons, Lawrence Vetter, Rock Island, Thomas (Michelle) Vetter, Rock Island, and James Vetter, Moline; two grandsons, Cameron and Cole Vetter; an aunt, Eileen Hyett, Aledo; a brother in law and sister in law, John and Ann Raschke, Geneseo; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Gale was preceded in death by his parents. Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com.

The Vetter family wishes to extend there gratitude to Dr. Michael Porubcin, and his oncology staff, and to the chemical infusion nurses, and to the Beacon of Hope Hospice staff for their loving care of Gale in his last days.