Gale R. Laier

SALINA, UTAH - Gale Raymond Laier, age 83, of Salina, passed away January 12, 2011 surrounded by family in Centerfield, Utah. He was born April 21, 1927 in Hayward, Wisconsin to Herbert and Mary Irene Stockwell Laier. Gale spent his childhood and attended school in Hayward. He joined the United States Navy at the age of 18 and served his country for three years during World War II. While serving, he witnessed the atomic bomb testing at Bikini Atoll Marshall Islands. During a visit to see friends in Utah after his discharge, he met Laurine Vorhees; they were married November 26, 1949 in Las Vegas, Nevada and later blessed with three children: Karen, Kelly and Linda. Gale started his career working at the Premium Oil in Salina, after which he spent several years hauling coal out of Sufco. He then began road construction working for L.A. Young Sons Construction Co, Rodney Rasmussen and W.W. Clyde. During his off time, Gale’s woodworking skills created items many of us will treasure forever. He had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed gathering family and friends for fishing, camping and hunting adventures. Spending much time in his garden, Gale cultivated berries, grapes, fruit trees and vegetables - all of which were savored by family, friends and neighbors over the years. After sharing most of their lives together and proudly surpassing their 60th Wedding Anniversary, Laurine passed away June 17, 2010. Gale is survived by his children: Karen and Kerry Sorenson of Aurora; Kelly and Barbara Laier, Linda and Chris Williams, all of Salina; 15 grandchildren; 32 great-grand-children; sister and brother: Shirley Fuller and Russell Laier, both of Hayward, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Troy Taylor; a sister, Mary Ann Laier; and a brother, Herbert Laier Jr. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. in the Salina LDS Stake Center, 98 West 400 North in Salina, where friends may call for viewing Saturday morning from 11:00 to 12:30 prior to the services. Burial with military honors accorded by the Salina American Legion Post #36 and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Salina Pioneer Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.