My dad, Gale Eugene Streator, was born on October 31, 1953, in Heron Lake, Minnesota, to William and Pauline Streator. He spent his childhood in the close-knit farming community that he would always consider home.

My dad was a quiet man. He was introverted, private, and never someone who sought the spotlight. Yet he was deeply passionate about the things he believed in. He loved his country, he loved his family, and he stood firmly for what he believed was right. Halloween was his favorite holiday, and spring was his favorite season.

He found peace on the open road riding his Harley, on the water with a fishing pole in his hand, and in the beauty of God's creation. Those were the places where he felt most at home.

Dad was a proud United States Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War era. His time in the Navy was something he carried with great pride throughout his life. As a diesel mechanic aboard ship, he created many of the memories he would later share with family and friends. Shortly before his passing, he was honored and pinned for his military service through the incredible team at Elara Caring Hospice. That recognition meant more to him, and to our family, than words can express.

Outside of his military service, Dad had many passions. He loved riding motorcycles and owned several Harley-Davidson motorcycles throughout the years. Among his favorite places on earth were the Blue Ridge Mountains, where he spent countless hours riding while living in Virginia. Those twenty years were among the happiest of his life.

Later in life, Dad faced the difficult challenge of hereditary ataxia. As his health declined, our family brought him to Ohio so we could care for him and spend precious time together. Although hereditary ataxia gradually stole many of his physical abilities, it never took away his love for his family, his pride in serving his country, or his unwavering spirit. During the last two years of his life, we shared laughter, conversations, a few memorable trips, and moments that will forever remain treasures in our hearts.

He loved talking with family about fishing, politics, stories from his Navy days, his travels to Italy, and his faith in Jesus Christ. Those conversations became some of our favorite memories.

Above all, he found comfort in his faith in Jesus Christ, a faith that sustained him through life's challenges and gave him peace as he entered eternity.

Dad leaves behind his loving daughter, Sarah Ersig, and her husband, Clay; his grandchildren, Andrew Ersig and his wife, Madi; Ava Ersig; and Clay Ersig Jr. (CJ) and his wife, Kara. He was incredibly proud of his family's continued legacy of military service through Andrew and Madi's service in the United States Marine Corps, Ava's service in the Ohio Air National Guard, and CJ's service in the United States Marine Corps.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Ben Streator, who passed away in 2011. He also leaves behind Ben's children, Alexis Buchholz, her husband, Alex, and their son, Waylon Philip Buchholz, along with Haileigh Streator.

He is also survived by his siblings, his oldest brother, Paul Streator; his sister, Julie Streator; and his brother, Chad Streator.

Dad will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Heron Lake, Minnesota, the place he proudly called home while growing up. There he will be reunited with his beloved son, Ben and rest among generations of family who have gone before him.

While Dad was a quiet man, his life spoke loudly through the values he lived by: loyalty, patriotism, perseverance, and love for his family.

As we say goodbye, we hold tightly to the hope found in God's Word. Jesus said in John 14, "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. I go to prepare a place for you." That promise reminds us this goodbye is not the end of the story. We trust that Dad is now whole, at peace, and free from the struggles his earthly body endured.

Dad,
Thank you for your service to our country, for your quiet strength, for the lessons you taught me, and for the love you had for your family. Thank you for showing us what perseverance looked like, even in the face of life's greatest challenges. Your life was one of quiet courage, steadfast conviction, and enduring love. We will carry your memory with us always.

Until we meet again, Dad.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in memory of Gale Eugene Streator to the Elara Caring Hospice Foundation. The compassionate care, dignity, and kindness shown to Gale and our family during his final journey were a true blessing, and we will be forever grateful. Memorial gifts may be made online at https://elaracaringhospicefoundation.org/get-involved/memorial-gifts/ or mailed to: Elara Caring Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 58, Jackson, MI 49204. Please indicate your gift is made in memory of Gale Eugene Streator.

With all my love,

Your daughter, Sarah