Gale L. Cripps

POYNETTE –  Gale L. Cripps, age 66, of Poynette, formerly of Columbus, passed away due to heart complications on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Meriter Hospital in Madison.

Gale was born on January 5, 1945 in Columbus, Wisconsin, the son of Casey and Dorothy (Nehmer) Cripps.  He graduated from Columbus High School.  Gale was an operator in the construction trade for most of his life.  He served his country with the U.S. Air Force for four years.  Gale was married on September 15, 1984 to the former Velma (Hammerstrom) Buffa.  He was a member of the Poynette Gun Club, and had been a member of the Grade Boat Club.  Gale was an avid fisherman and hunter, and loved watching NASCAR and the History Channel.

He is survived by his wife, Vel, Poynette;  his mother, Dorothy Cripps, Sun Prairie;  his son, Brian (Sue) Cripps, Appleton;  his brother, Gary (Joanne) Cripps, Marshall;  two grandchildren, Tyler and Madilyn Cripps;  three step-children;  nieces,  nephews, other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his father, Casey Cripps. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2011 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette, with Fr. Raymond Dischler officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Jerome's Catholic Cemetery in Columbus, with military graveside rites.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette.