Jerry Gale

Bishop Jerry Lee Gale

June 2nd 1949 - July 25th 2025

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Jerry, who left us peacefully at his home in Springfield, Oregon, at the age of 76.

Jerry dedicated 52 years of his life to ministry as a retired pastor with the Church of God in Tennessee, and also faithfully served as a pastor in Washington, Oregon, and California.

Jerry grew up in Grass Valley, California, where he graduated from high school and completed two years at Sierra College. He began his career as a firefighter in the Sierra area. Jerry is survived by his three brothers, Bill Gale, Bob Gale, and Earl Ray Shootman, and his sister, Candy Gale.

He met his beloved wife, Desse, at the Church of God in Grass Valley, and they were married in 1970. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Riddle, Oregon, where Jerry worked at a sawmill and began his ministry as a youth leader for a year. Jerry's passion was evangelizing and preaching God's word. In 1973, they relocated to Chico, California, where Jerry continued to follow his calling to preach at a new church. He was a good and faithful servant of the Lord.

Jerry cherished his life with God, family, and friends. He loved fishing, deer hunting, sports, singing, reading, swimming, and youth camps, but above all, he loved preaching the word of God. He was a proud grandpa to six grandchildren. Jerry is survived by his devoted wife, Desse Gale, his sons, Jeàn Gale and Jerry Otis Gale, and his daughter, (Desse) Terri Ibsen.

A service in Jerry's honor will be held at New Life Church, located at 2080 19th St., Springfield, OR 97477, on September 20th at 1:00 PM.